A summit focused on dementia care and healthy aging is coming up near Pyramid Lake. The University of Nevada, Reno’s School of Public Health will host the 2026 Tribal Summit on Age- and Dementia-Friendly Care on May 5 in Nixon, Nevada. This event, in partnership with the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, will gather Tribal leaders, health professionals, care partners, and advocates. It’s a chance for everyone to share knowledge and strengthen connections.
This year marks the fourth summit in a series backed by the Nevada Interprofessional Healthy Aging Network. Each event explores one of the “5 M’s” of age-friendly care: mind, medicine, mobility, multicomplexity, and what matters most.
The theme for this year, “Medicine: Traditional Healing Meets Clinical Care,” emphasizes the importance of blending traditional and modern healthcare. It aims to showcase how Indigenous healing practices enhance health throughout life. Bringing both perspectives together can lead to better care for communities.
Jennifer Carson, Ph.D., an associate professor and director of the Dementia Engagement, Education, and Research Program, said, “Events like this show that real health pathways are built on community, culture, and relationships.” These values are crucial as we work to improve health outcomes collaboratively.
Initiatives like Dementia Friendly Nevada have emerged to support communities in providing better care for those living with dementia. Since it began in 2016 with just four groups, it now includes nine active community organizations. They aim to raise awareness and improve access to resources.
One such group, the Pesa Sooanme Advisory Group, serves the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe. Their name means “good thinking” in Northern Paiute, emphasizing their goal of supporting positive attitudes toward dementia and promoting brain health.
Casey Venturini, director of Dementia Friendly Nevada, highlighted how community-led solutions are critical. “Dementia is more common among Native people but is rarely talked about. Through the Pesa Sooname Advisory Group and our summit series, we’re sparking discussions that break stigma and enhance support,” he said.
The summit will feature sessions that bring together Indigenous and Western viewpoints on care. One keynote speaker, J. Neil Henderson, Ph.D., will explore how both traditional and biomedical approaches can work together. Ron Eppes will also discuss the adaptation of the “5 M’s” framework for Tribal communities, making it more culturally relevant.
Additionally, an interactive session titled “Weaving Wellness: Tradition, Lifestyle, & Brain Health,” led by experts from the Alzheimer’s Association and the Fallon Paiute Shoshone Tribe, will guide participants in developing personal wellness plans that merge cultural practices with medical insights.
Organizers aim to create a space for meaningful dialogue and shared experiences. The day will start and end with a ceremony, reinforcing respect and connection to the land and each other.
This summit continues the School of Public Health’s commitment to fostering partnerships with Tribal and rural communities across Nevada. Through programs like DEER and Dementia Friendly Nevada, efforts are made to improve access to culturally sensitive care while supporting those affected by dementia.
Registration for the summit is free and open to the public. For more details, visit the summit’s site.
