Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2025

Author Spotlight: Exploring Sex-Specific Glial Signatures and Therapeutic Leads for Alzheimer's Disease
Published on: May 20, 2024
An especially hidden population: sexual and gender minority dementia caregivers
Krystal R Kittle1, Jason D Flatt2, Joel G Anderson3
1Department of Health Promotion and Policy, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA.
Background:
Sexual and gender minority (SGM) people are underrepresented in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) caregiving research. This study examines potential factors associated with the health of SGM ADRD caregivers.
Methods:
A secondary analysis using data from an online survey with a sample of SGM ADRD caregivers (n = 286). Hierarchical regression models tested associations between health outcomes and socioenvironmental, stigma, and risk and protective factors.
Results:
Bisexual caregivers reported more stress, albeit better health than gay caregivers. Like bisexual caregivers, queer/other caregivers reported higher global health scores than gay caregivers. However, queer/other caregivers did not report significantly more stress. Transgender caregivers reported lower health scores than cisgender caregivers. Hispanic/Latino (H/L) caregivers reported worse health, but lower levels or perceived stress than non-H/Ls.
Discussion:
This study highlights factors associated with SGM caregivers' health, which can serve as targets for the development of caregiver supports, as well as further exploration of the unique experiences of SGM caregivers.
Highlights:
The health of SGM ADRD caregivers varies by sexual orientation and gender identity. Bisexual caregivers reported more stress but better health than gay caregivers. Transgender caregivers reported worse health than cisgender caregivers. Hispanic/Latino (H/L) caregivers reported worse health than non-H/L caregivers.
Related Concept Videos
Dementia
The progression of dementia is generally gradual....
Alzheimer's Disease: Overview
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ...
Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination
Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment
Dissociative Identity Disorder
Stereotype Content Model

