Dementia Care For LGBT Elders

Developed by the Alzheimer’s Association & SAGE a new report identifies unique challenges for our LGBT community facing Alzheimer’s & other Dementias. The brief outlines issues that arise when Alzheimer’s disease, sexual orientation & gender identification & expression intersect allowing advocates & care providers to better meet the needs of LGBT elders & their caregivers facing dementia. Sam Fazio, Ph.D., Director of quality care & psychosocial research, Alzheimer’s Association stated, “Living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia is not easy for anyone. But LGBT individuals can often face additional challenges that need to be considered & addressed to ensure this population gets respectful & competent care.” It is estimated that there are 2.7 million LGBT people over age 50 living in the United States & that number is increasing rapidly as baby boomers age & more people self-identify as LGBT. New research presented at the 2018 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference found that about one in 13 lesbian, gay or bisexual seniors in the United States are living with dementia. Dementia rates for the LGB population are 7.4 percent, compared to about 10 percent for the general population. Michael Adams CEO of SAGE added, “While the LGBT community faces similar health concerns as the general public, LGBT people who receive a dementia diagnosis & LGBT caregivers face uniquely challenging circumstances. This brief shines a light on these challenges, so we can begin taking steps to address them & improve the care & support LGBT people receive.” In support of the recommendations, SAGE & the Alzheimer’s Association are partnering to provide training to Association staff & chapters across the country & SAGE is encouraging local collaborations that offer targeted support to LGBT older adults who have a dementia diagnosis & their caregivers.
For More Info: sageusa.org
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