Memory Keepers Medical Discovery Team staff, Volunteer Day at the Second Harvest Food Bank. Credit: Memory Keepers Medical Discovery Team
The Memory Keepers Medical Discovery Team, based at the University of Minnesota Medical School's Duluth campus, leads a comprehensive research and engagement program aimed at addressing Alzheimer's disease and Alzheimer’s disease related dementias (AD/ADRD) in rural and Indigenous populations, primarily across Minnesota, and also in partnership with communities in New Mexico, Wisconsin, and Ontario, Canada.
Their work focuses on understanding the lived experiences of those affected by dementia, creating culturally-grounded diagnostic tools and care models, and using large-scale data to derive insights on dementia prevalence and prevention with the goal of improving the quality of life and health outcomes for rural and Indigenous individuals impacted by dementia. Current research projects include:
Community-Engaged Rural Dementia and Alzheimer’s Research (CERDAR)
Address the growing challenge of dementia and dementia care needs in rural Minnesota and support research aimed at improving the quality of life for rural Minnesotans impacted by dementia.
Indigenous Cultural Understandings of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias – Research & Engagement (ICARE)
Focus on gaining a deep, culturally grounded understanding of the AD/ADRD experience among Indigenous populations using ethnographic approaches, aiming to create culturally appropriate and safe clinical guidelines and educational materials.
Addressing Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Disparities: The American Indigenous Cognitive Assessment (AMICA)
Develop a culturally appropriate and safe set of assessment tools for accurate and earlier dementia diagnosis among American Indian communities.
Healthy Aging & Dementia Friendly Communities
Assess Minnesota’s infrastructure to address the needs of elders, people living with dementia and other complex chronic conditions, and their care partners living in rural and Tribal communities.
Improving Dementia Prevention in Indigenous Communities Using Large Data
Increase our understanding of how community and social factors, like rurality and access to healthcare, modify cognitive health in Indigenous communities using national data sources.
Building Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia Data Information Systems
Develop an AD/ADRD data information system in partnership with communities to capture accurate statewide data on dementia prevalence in Indigenous and rural communities.
Since fiscal year 2020, the Memory Keepers Medical Discovery Team has received more than $30 million in funding from state, federal, and private sources. In 2025, the team had 195 community engagement touch points with rural communities and Tribal Nations, including three Brain Trains events in northern Minnesota with rural communities and Tribal Nations. Brain Trains include interactive stations showcasing local organizations, researchers, and healthcare professionals, sharing information about healthy brain aging and Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias with community members.
Watch a short video about the Memory Keepers Medical Discovery Team