The federal government will be investing one million dollars into research projects that will look to address the growing concern of dementia in the Indigenous population across the country.

Two research firms will study approaches that combine Indigenous practices with Western technologies.

They will also support research on the latest preventative, diagnostic and treatment approaches to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia.

Indigenous populations in Canada are at higher risk of developing dementia.

Rates of dementia are reported to be 34 per cent higher than the non-Indigenous population and rising more quickly.

It is hoped through the study that prevention, early diagnosis and culturally-adapted approaches will help improve the health and quality of life of Indigenous peoples.