Alzheimer’s Association hosts statewide LGBT dementia forum
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.
“Unfortunately, dementia care is often either unavailable to LGBTQ+ folks or the care they can access is not welcoming, affirming or inclusive,” said Ramona Peel, lead trainer for The Equitas Health Institute in Columbus.
On May 17, 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 is free and runs from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
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.
“It is our hope that the LGBT community and its allies will attend the forum so that we may better understand their needs and ensure that all Ohio LGBT individuals living with Alzheimer’s and dementia and their care partners have equitable access to diagnosis, treatment, services and care.”
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 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.
Alzheimer’s is a progressive, fatal brain disease that kills nerve cells and tissues in the brain, affecting an individual’s ability to remember, think, plan, speak, walk. In Ohio, 220,000 individuals older than 65 are living with the disease.
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 800272-3900. To learn more about Alzheimer’s and the LGBTQ+ community, visit https://bit. ly/LGBTQResourcesALZ.