LGBT Older Adult Dementia (Research, Video 4:48)

Varied forms of dementia and other cognitive impairments include unique concerns for those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT).  These concerns center around social isolation, discrimination, barriers to health care access, limited availability of and support for caregivers, and higher rates of certain chronic illnesses. The increasing size of this older adult population further escalates the need to find more researched based solutions to these problems.

This LGBT dementia research examines their unique risk factors and outlines key competencies for health care and human service providers to ensure culturally relevant care for those in need of help. This kind of care is also needed for their caregivers, families, and communities. Emphasized are the importance of early detection and support, as well as the development of policies and practices that promote community-level advocacy and education.

In Australia, the Commonwealth Government uses the initials LGBTI to refer collectively to people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and/or intersex. This video features a gay couple named Tony and Paul. Paul was diagnosed with early onset dementia before the age of 65. Paul serves as his caregiver. Together they explain how they have adjusted in their relationship to accommodate Alzheimer’s disease.

Frances Shani Parker, Author

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