2022 Alzheimer's Association Research Fellowship (AARF)

Caregiving Experiences and Health of Sexual and Gender Minority Caregivers

What are unique experiences of family care partners from under-represented groups?

Krystal Kittle, Ph.D.
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV - United States

Background

According to the 2022 Alzheimer’s Association Facts & Figures Report, more than 11 million Americans provided unpaid care for people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias. Individuals belonging to underrepresented racial/ethnic and LGBTQ populations report a higher prevalence of informal caregiving compared to other populations. Studies show that older non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic/ Latino caregivers may report worse self-rated health over time than White caregivers. LGBTQ caregivers may show higher rates of depression, financial strain, emotional stress, and loneliness than caregivers in other groups. While the U.S. population is growing older and there is more awareness of its diversity, both underrepresented racial/ethnic and LGBTQ individuals are often not included in dementia caregiving research. A better understanding of the unique caregiving experiences and needs of these populations is necessary to improve their health and well-being and enhance the resources and support they need to provide care to those living with dementia.

Research Plan

Dr. Krystal Kittle and colleagues will study the caregiving experiences of racially/ethnically diverse dementia caregivers who are also in LGBTQ populations. The researchers will use data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) to compare the prevalence, social and demographic characteristics, caregiving experiences, and related health of caregivers from these populations. Then, in a smaller sample of these caregivers, the team will study the associations between social and environmental factors, psychosocial factors (such as depression/anxiety and levels of social support), in relationship to the health of caregivers. Finally, Dr. Kittle and colleagues will conduct 25 in-depth interviews of caregivers non-Hispanic Black individuals, Hispanic/ Latino individuals and LGBTQ individuals to explore their lived experiences.

Impact

The results may enhance understanding of factors associated with the care experiences from communities historically underrepresented in dementia studies. The findings may provide insights into future caregiving interventions and services to improve the health and well-being of diverse populations of dementia caregivers.