Background: Sexual-minority (e.g., lesbian, gay, bisexual [SM]) people may be at an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia (ADRD) from stress related to experiences of minoritization. Strong levels of social contact and social support decreases dementia risk; these effects may differ by sex/gender and sexuality. The purpose of this presentation is to elucidate the relationship between cognitive function, social support, and social networks with a focus on sexuality and sex/gender.
Method: Data analyzed were from waves 8-14 (2006-2018) of the Health and Retirement Study, a longitudinal survey of U.S. residents aged ≥51 years (N = 18,183). Participants who reported their sexual orientation as lesbian, gay, or bisexual, or those in same-sex relationships for at least one wave were classified as SMs. A gender/sexuality variable was created with four levels: SM-women (n = 101), heterosexual women (n = 9,942), SM-men (n = 106), and heterosexual men (n = 8,034). Social contact and support were reported for network size, frequency of contact, and quality of interactions across four relationships: spouses, children, family, and friends. Cognitive function was measured on a 27-point scale. The primary analysis consisted of a series of multiple linear regression models, treating cognition as the outcome, and adjusting for age, wealth, education, and race.
Result: Descriptive analysis showed that SM-men and SM-women tended to be younger and join the study later than heterosexual men and women, and at baseline, heterosexual men had lower cognitive scores compared to the other three groups (F = 82.44, p<0.001). Moderation analysis showed the relationship between positive spousal support and cognition was inconsistent across gender/sexuality groups (χ = 11.58, p = 0.009); SM-women did not benefit from positive spousal support as much as other gender/sexuality groups. Greater frequency of social contact was associated with higher cognitive function, except among SM-women where greater social contact was associated with lower cognitive function (χ = 9.65, p = 0.023). Support from other social groups did not have differential effects across gender/sexuality groups.
Conclusion: Findings highlighted variable and gendered effects of social support and social contact on cognitive functioning in aging SM people. Examining differential effects for SM/gender groups is essential to inclusive ADRD research.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/alz.089272 | DOI Listing |
Alzheimers Dement
December 2024
University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
Background: People identifying as sexual and gender minorities (SGM) may have higher risk for subjective cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease, although the risk for Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD) has not been investigated. Male sex is associated with a higher risk for PDD, it is unclear whether SGM status impacts the risk.
Methods: Data were obtained from Fox Insight on April 5, 2023.
Background: Sexual-minority (e.g., lesbian, gay, bisexual [SM]) people may be at an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia (ADRD) from stress related to experiences of minoritization.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAlzheimers Dement
December 2024
Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Brain Health Center, Las Vegas, NV, USA.
Background: Over 2.5 million LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual or another sexual and/or gender minority identity) adults in the U.S.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAlzheimers Dement
December 2024
University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
Background: Loneliness and depression among older adults are linked to a higher likelihood of chronic diseases, deterioration of physical function, and compromised quality of life. LGBTQ older adults are known to experience social isolation and mental distress at higher rates than their heterosexual counterparts, and those with cognitive impairment may be particularly susceptible to loneliness and depression. However, there is limited knowledge regarding the risk and protective factors for loneliness and depression among LGBTQ older adults living with cognitive impairment.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFFront Psychol
December 2024
Guilin Tobacco Company of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guilin, China.
Background: Smoking is highly prevalent among HIV-infected individuals and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Studies on smoking among HIV-infected individuals in China, especially compared to uninfected individuals, are scarce.
Purpose: This study aimed to investigate and compare the prevalence and factors associated with smoking between HIV-infected and uninfected men in Guilin, China.
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