The Hidden Link: How Life Factors Shape Brain Health 

Cultural Competence Course

LIVE INTERACTIVE Webinar
2 CE Credits Available

Course Description: This interactive course explores the critical connection between cultural competence, social determinants of health (SDOH), and brain health across diverse communities. Participants will examine how factors such as education, income, neighborhood conditions, healthcare access, discrimination, and cultural beliefs influence cognitive health outcomes and dementia risk throughout the lifespan. Using a health equity lens, the course highlights how cultural identity, systemic inequities, and social context intersect to shape experiences of aging, memory loss, and access to care. Through guided discussions, case vignettes, and reflective activities, participants will deepen their understanding of how bias, stigma, and cultural misunderstanding can affect both risk and treatment pathways for individuals living with or at risk for dementia. Participants will engage in interactive exercises that foster self-awareness and enhance their ability to provide culturally responsive, person-centered support. The course emphasizes practical strategies to build trust, promote inclusion, and advocate for equitable access to brain health education, early detection, and care resources. Attendees will leave with actionable insights to strengthen their cultural competence and contribute to a more just and inclusive approach to brain health and dementia care.

From this course attendees will be able to:
1. Define cultural competence and social determinants of health and explain how they intersect to influence brain health and dementia risk.
2. Recognize how cultural identity, bias, and systemic inequalities contribute to disparities in cognitive health outcomes.
3. Analyze real-world case scenarios to understand how cultural and social factors shape access to brain health resources and services.
4. Apply culturally responsive communication and engagement strategies to support individuals and families affected by dementia.