Issues Brief: LGBT and Dementia
The impact of dementia and Alzheimer's on our aging adult population is a growing concern not only because of the impact it has on the individual, but also because dementia can dis proportionally affect minorities. Upon completing my diagnosis snapshot, I came across information stating that dementia can have a huge impact on individuals of the LGBTQIA+ community. Although I am aware that there are individuals across the lifespan who are a part of the LGBTQIA+ community, it never really occurred to me that they would be more adversely affected. My professor, Dr. Lancaster, provided me with an informative guidebook about the topic titled "Issues Brief: LGBT and Dementia" which was published by the Alzheimer's Association and Sage organization. This guidebook gave a really interesting and thorough explanation of how and why dementia can negatively impact LGBTQIA+ individuals. It also explained the different ways that healthcare providers can support, encourage, and better treat LGBTQIA+ individuals impacted by dementia. I decided to further explore this topic because I think that sometimes a neurological disease such as dementia can be seen as something that negatively affects people in the same way. Of course the symptoms can be similar and the deterioration of cognition and physical abilities is painful for everyone, but if we really look at each individual, we have to realize that some people are not receiving the same treatment, do not have access to the same health services, and do not have the financial stability or support systems that others might have. (Note: in my following paragraphs I am using LGBT instead of LGBTQIA+ because that's what was used in the article).
As compared to their non-LGBT counterparts, LGBT individuals have limited social and support networks to support them as they age. LGBT individuals often live alone or report that their support systems have become smaller over time.This can be due to having a non-existent or strained relationship with their biological families, so their support is their family of choice. Because of this, LGBT older adults are more likely to be more self-reliant and are less likely to seek help through any type of support services (Alzheimer's Association, p.5). Unfortunately, LGBT individuals are also at an increased risk for poverty because until just a few years ago LGBT people did not have access to institutions like marriage and faced unfair tax burdens and not to mention discrimination. Because of these things LGBT people are less likely to recognize dementia signs and symptoms and delay access to health care services (Alzheimer's Association, p.7). Dementia already has a tendency to isolate the individual affected by the disease, but when an LGBT individual does not have the appropriate care or support system, they are more likely to experience isolation which will exacerbate their suffering.
It has been reported that although social acceptance of LGBT identities has improved across the US, there are also long standing stigmas that can deter LGBT people from seeking services because they are afraid they will not be accepted. This unwillingness to disclose their identities to healthcare providers or seek help can delay appropriate care until their health deteriorates to the point that they need immediate and significant help (Alzheimer's Association, p.6). Societal stigma not only accompanies LGBT individuals, but individuals with dementia too. When an individual has dementia or is diagnosed with dementia, usually the focus is on the individuals impairments and a cognitive decline and they are no longer seen as a regular functioning member of society. Instead, the focus should be on the person's remaining ability to function, interact with others, and enjoy their daily activities.
We also have to remember that LGBT older adult experience health disparities which include greater obstacles to health care because of their sexual identities. Because of this, they are at a greater risk for cognitive decline and dementia (Alzheimer's Association, p. 9). It is our responsibility as healthcare workers to be aware of these disparities, especially with LGBT members who have dementia, because they may need more support and help through navigating this disease. A few recommendations were listed for practitioners for working with LGBT people living with dementia. A few of my favorites included expanding your definition of family, using LGBT-affirming language, teaching yourself and others on LGBT cultural competency, advocate for non-discrimination protections, and encourage education around early detection and diagnosis of dementia (Alzheimer's Association, p. 12, 13, 14). This article has given me a new understanding on dementia, but it has also given me a better perspective on how it affects the LGBTQIA+ community. I am including the link to the article so that other's can educate themselves on the impact of dementia on the LGBTQIA+ community and how they can learn to be a supportive ally.
https://www.alz.org/media/documents/lgbt-dementia-issues-brief.pdf
As compared to their non-LGBT counterparts, LGBT individuals have limited social and support networks to support them as they age. LGBT individuals often live alone or report that their support systems have become smaller over time.This can be due to having a non-existent or strained relationship with their biological families, so their support is their family of choice. Because of this, LGBT older adults are more likely to be more self-reliant and are less likely to seek help through any type of support services (Alzheimer's Association, p.5). Unfortunately, LGBT individuals are also at an increased risk for poverty because until just a few years ago LGBT people did not have access to institutions like marriage and faced unfair tax burdens and not to mention discrimination. Because of these things LGBT people are less likely to recognize dementia signs and symptoms and delay access to health care services (Alzheimer's Association, p.7). Dementia already has a tendency to isolate the individual affected by the disease, but when an LGBT individual does not have the appropriate care or support system, they are more likely to experience isolation which will exacerbate their suffering.
It has been reported that although social acceptance of LGBT identities has improved across the US, there are also long standing stigmas that can deter LGBT people from seeking services because they are afraid they will not be accepted. This unwillingness to disclose their identities to healthcare providers or seek help can delay appropriate care until their health deteriorates to the point that they need immediate and significant help (Alzheimer's Association, p.6). Societal stigma not only accompanies LGBT individuals, but individuals with dementia too. When an individual has dementia or is diagnosed with dementia, usually the focus is on the individuals impairments and a cognitive decline and they are no longer seen as a regular functioning member of society. Instead, the focus should be on the person's remaining ability to function, interact with others, and enjoy their daily activities.
We also have to remember that LGBT older adult experience health disparities which include greater obstacles to health care because of their sexual identities. Because of this, they are at a greater risk for cognitive decline and dementia (Alzheimer's Association, p. 9). It is our responsibility as healthcare workers to be aware of these disparities, especially with LGBT members who have dementia, because they may need more support and help through navigating this disease. A few recommendations were listed for practitioners for working with LGBT people living with dementia. A few of my favorites included expanding your definition of family, using LGBT-affirming language, teaching yourself and others on LGBT cultural competency, advocate for non-discrimination protections, and encourage education around early detection and diagnosis of dementia (Alzheimer's Association, p. 12, 13, 14). This article has given me a new understanding on dementia, but it has also given me a better perspective on how it affects the LGBTQIA+ community. I am including the link to the article so that other's can educate themselves on the impact of dementia on the LGBTQIA+ community and how they can learn to be a supportive ally.
https://www.alz.org/media/documents/lgbt-dementia-issues-brief.pdf
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