2023 Alzheimer's Association Research Fellowship to Promote Diversity (AARF-D)

Effects of Care and Caregiver Support on ADRD Risk of LGBTQ+ Older Adults

How might affirmative medical care and caregiver support impact Alzheimer’s risk in older LGBTQIA+ adults?

Nik Lampe, Ph.D.
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN - United States

Background

By 2030, there will be nearly 6 million lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and/or another identity (LGBTQIA+) older adults in the United States. Studies have shown that LGBTQIA+ older individuals experience higher rates of health issues that are associated with increased risk of cognitive impairment, including Alzheimer’s. Some of these health issues include hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and depression. In addition, research demonstrates that stress, including the stress related to experiencing stigma and discrimination, negatively affects an individual’s health. 

Many LGBTQIA+ older individuals may struggle to access quality healthcare due to a lack of social support or limited access to LGBTQIA+-affirming care. The absence and low quality of support from family caregivers for LGBTQIA+ older adults may further exacerbate Alzheimer’s-related health disparities. 

Research Plan

Dr. Nik Lampe and colleagues believe that understanding the effects of affirming care and caregiver support on Alzheimer’s risk may help reduce the rate among older LGBTQIA+ adults. The researchers will leverage data from a cohort of community dwelling LGBTQIA+ older adults in the Vanderbilt University Social Networks, Aging, and Policy Study (VUSNAPS). The team will study the associations of social support and exposures to everyday and medical discrimination with cognitive impairment. They will also examine whether access to and use of an affirming care provider moderates these relationships. Finally, Dr. Lampe and colleagues will study how the quality and type of relationship with a caregiver may contribute to cognitive health outcomes among older LGBTQIA+ adults.

Impact

The results may contribute to the development of effective risk reduction strategies aimed at strengthening protective factors in LGBTQIA+ older individuals. In addition, the findings may inform the development of culturally relevant cognitive screenings and interventions in this under-researched population.