Being diagnosed with dementia can present a number of challenges. But a new study by the LGBTQ+ advocacy group SAGE and the Alzheimer’s Association found that LGBTQ+ elders could face even more hurdles as they age.
The idea was to get the conversation started around the intersection of LGBTQ+ aging and Alzheimer’s disease.
“I run our SAGE care training program so a lot of what I do is go into memory care communities or senior centers and teach them about the stigma that LGBTQ+ elders face, but I personally hadn’t thought a lot about the stigma that people living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias may encounter,” said Tim Johnston with SAGE.
The report also found LGBTQ+ elders face more health disparities. They may face barriers to getting help due to discrimination or a lack of cultural competency on the part of care providers.
“Oftentimes when people are feeling vulnerable, maybe anxious about how they’re going to be treated, they’ll choose not to disclose that they are LGBTQ+ or maybe hide the nature of their relationship,” said Johnston.
The report made several recommendations for those providers, including using LGBTQ+ affirming language and incorporating LGBTQ+ people in marketing materials.
