LGBT Dementia Forum on Tuesday

LGBT older adults living with dementia face challenges in accessing health care and support. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 40% report shrinking support networks; 34% live alone; and up to 30% experience lower rates of access to care.

On Tuesday, the Alzheimer’s Association will host a statewide virtual LGBT Dementia Forum about the obstacles, health disparities and inequities LGBT elders and their care partners face when navigating a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. The forum, from 6-7:30 p.m. is free. To register, go to: http:// alz.org/lgbtforum or call 800272-3900.

The forum is being presented with seven state and locally based organizations that serve the LGBT community, including SAGE Cleveland; Equality Ohio; Equitas Health Institute; Plexus; Cincinnati Pride; Rainbow Elder Care of Greater Dayton; and United Church Homes.

Rebecca Hall, program director for the Alzheimer’s Association Miami Valley Chapter, said. “The Alzheimer’s Association proudly works alongside SAGE, an organization that has worked tirelessly on behalf of LGBT older adults for over 40 years and one of our forum partners.”

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 7.4% of the lesbian, gay and bisexual older adult population is living with dementia. LGBT people have greater health disparities, many of which are risk factors for dementia, such as lower rates of preventative screenings, cardiovascular disease and depression. In addition, 40% of LGBT older adults say their health care providers don’t know their sexual orientation.

The LGBT dementia forum will be moderated by Amanda Cole, executive director of Plexus LGBT + Allied Chamber of Commerce.

Individuals needing immediate assistance can call the Alzheimer’s Association’s 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900. To learn more about Alzheimer’s and the LGBTQ+ community visit https://bit.ly/LGBTQ ResourcesALZ.