LGBTQ+ identity social support and care access among LGBTQ+ caregivers of individuals living with mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease, and related dementias

Alzheimers Dement. 2025 May;21(5):e70188. doi: 10.1002/alz.70188.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: This study examines the associations of caregiver role with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) identity social support, relationships, and care outcomes among LGBTQ+ older adults.

METHODS: We use LGBTQ+ Social Networks, Aging, and Policy Study Wave 3 data (QSNAPS; N = 982). Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine associations between caregiver role and outcomes.

RESULTS: Eighty respondents (8.1%) care for 90 individuals with neurocognitive disorders, a majority of whom are parents of the respondent. LGBTQ+ older adult caregivers were half as likely to have family support (p < 0.05); 40.6% less likely to have coworker support (p < 0.1); and 45.6% less likely to have neighbor support (p < 0.05) for LGBTQ+ identities. Caregivers were more likely to receive practical help from others (p < 0.01), but experienced issues related to their own access to health care.

DISCUSSION: Understanding LGBTQ-identity social support and care access can inform targeted interventions to reduce LGBTQ+ caregiver health disparities.

HIGHLIGHTS: Transgender and gender diverse adults were more likely to be mild cognitive impairment/Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (MCI/ADRD) caregivers. LGBTQ+ MCI/ADRD caregivers primarily provide care to parents and familial relatives. MCI/ADRD care recipients hold differing political views than LGBTQ+ caregivers. LGBTQ+ caregivers were less likely to have family, coworker, and neighbor support. LGBTQ+ caregivers were less likely to receive LGBTQ-affirming care communication.

PMID:40371759 | DOI:10.1002/alz.70188