Gay man with alzheimers

By the end of the 1990s, you change a nation.

As the 1960s roll in, you’re no longer invited home for the holidays and finding a job is difficult. “Maybe they have a photo of a long-term partner that would encourage positive memories, but the nursing home is unaware. Even if it doesn’t make the situation better itself, it makes me feel better and that matters,” Mary said.

Many grew up before Stonewall¹ or when it was still considered illegal to be gay.

There are laws that state you don’t exist. Groups may have different barriers or difficulties resulting from their own historical experiences, challenges, and trauma, including the LGBTQ+ community. “Without the ability to drive, how do you get your groceries or arrive to your appointments?

My patients depend on other people to help them function.

Subjective Cognitive Decline Higher Among Sexual and Gender Minorities:Population-Based Findings from Nine States in the U.S. https://ucsf.app.box.com/s/5sl8nkrnlvz3f2hdj0k0jyzhpmiehvkg
⁴Sage.

“Besides memory, Alzheimer’s affects judgment, problem-solving, all high-level skills,” Apostolova said.

From a lack of representation in Alzheimer’s research to combating a history of stigma, there’s no better time than now to ensure LGBTQ+ older adults are provided with adequate care that uplifts the life they fought so hard for.



Read previous stories shedding light on the disparities in LGBTQ+ health care, including representation in breast cancer research and the importance of medical education in a physician’s training of equitable care.

¹Human Rights Campaign.

Perhaps they hadn’t yet came out publicly as transgender and the clothes they wear in private help them see themselves for who they truly are.”

Whether it’s assisted living or a nursing home, a patient’s private and public worlds merge. As a result, AFA holds SageCare’s Platinum level credential, the highest credential offered.

2019, June 28. “That’s part of the problem of why there are disparities in health: because of health care avoidance and fear of rejection.”

Many LGBTQ+ individuals fear retribution when seeking to find a primary care doctor or face obstacles in receiving health care benefits that cover same-sex partners and certain procedures.

You hold future generations on your shoulders as the new century arrives; because of you they’re reaching new heights, demanding more rights and as they march they cheer your name.

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For the first time, the United States is able to witness one of the first generations of publicly “out” LGBTQ+ elders.

In addition, older LGBTQ+ Americans are more likely to live alone and not have assistance from a caregiver.

In an effort to better serve the LGBTQ+ community, all Alzheimer’s Foundation of America staff members have completed the SAGECare organizational training offered by the national nonprofit organization SAGE (Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders).

Mary Estrada and her wife, Peggy, would know.

Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related illnesses impact every ethnic and cultural group, but they do not impact all those groups in the same way. Some were activists in large cities as others lived quietly in small, rural towns; however, the amount of prejudice they all witnessed can still be felt rippling through time, not least of which when accessing health care.

Since receiving her diagnosis, she’s noticed her symptoms worsen but aims to find a positive outlook on her life and what she can control.

By the time the 1970s arrive, you find people just like you. “I think doctors will go the extra mile to put you at ease.”

“It’s a terrible disease,” Peggy added.

“If the health care system isn’t creating a safe and open space for all patients to receive equitable care, who’s paying attention to this patient population?”

Fortunately, many primary care physicians and health care systems have ensured their environments are comforting for the patient and their families.