Root Causes of Stroke Risk Disparity in Wisconsin Native Americans

Principal Investigator:

Robert Dempsey, professor of neurological surgery

Co-Principal Investigator:

Carol Mitchell, associate professor of medicine (cardiovascular)

Co-Investigators:

Gloria Morel, assistant professor of neurology

Umadevi Wesley, distinguished scientist III neurological surgery

Debra Danforth, health division director for the Oneida Nation

Vivek Prabhakaran, professor of radiology

Native Americans have greater stroke risk factors than any other U.S. racial group. They are exposed to chronic psychological stress (PS) and inter-generational trauma related to historical loss (HL) which are manifested as stroke risk factors.

This project will partner with the Oneida Nation. Previous partnering with the Oneida Nation found that approximately 80% of the tribal elders have atherosclerotic plaque in their carotid arteries and over 50% are obese and have diabetes. They also exhibit high levels of inflammatory vascular proteins that link diabetes and stroke by injuring large vessel walls and accelerating atherosclerosis.

This project will be a cross sectional study of younger tribal members to determine the age of onset of the relationship of health, PS, HL, food sovereignty and stroke risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, obesity, smoking, previous atherosclerotic disorders) and stroke outcomes (carotid plaque presence, TIA and stroke). All participants will undergo a health examination (height, weight, BMI calculation and interview to collect data on physical activity, smoking status, clinical history for CAD, TIA, stroke, and diabetes), lab draw (hemoglobin A1c, lipid panel and unique inflammatory proteins), and carotid ultrasound to determine the presence/absence of atherosclerotic deposits in the carotid artery, assessment of PS and historical loss.

The research findings will provide preliminary data a large NIH study on intervention of stroke risks in Native Americans. The researchers have established support of the 11Tribal Nations of Great Lakes Native American Elder Association (GLNAEA). Culturally sensitive treatment devised in conjunction with the tribe to address food sovereignty, inter-generational stress post-pandemic will aid in managing health and decreasing risk factors for this tribal community.