Everyday Stressors, Discrimination, and Health Among LGBTQ+ Older Adult Caregivers of Adults Living with MCI/ADRD

TL;DR

This study finds that LGBTQ+ older adults caring for people with dementia face higher stress, discrimination, and health issues compared to non-caregivers.

Contribution

The study is the first to examine the unique health impacts of caregiving on LGBTQ+ older adults in the Southern U.S.

Findings

LGBTQ+ caregivers are three times more likely to experience proximal minority stress.

They are twice as likely to report suicidal ideation and more likely to have cognitive problems and high blood pressure.

Minority stress appears to worsen mental health outcomes for these caregivers.

Abstract

Using LGBTQ+ Social Networks, Aging, and Policy Study Wave 3 data (N = 982), this study examines how caregiving for individuals with mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease, and related dementias (MCI/ADRD) impacts everyday stressors, discrimination, and health outcomes among LGBTQ+ older adults in the Southern United States. Using chi-square tests, Fisher’s exact tests, logistic regression, and Poisson regression models, we assessed associations of caregiver role with stress and health outcomes. We then conducted moderation analyses to test interactions between caregiver role and LGBTQ+ minority stress. LGBTQ+ caregivers of individuals with MCI/ADRD were three times more likely to experience proximal minority stress (p < 0.05), twice as likely to report suicidal ideation (p < 0.1), and more likely to report cognitive problems (p < 0.05) and high blood pressure (p < 0.05) than non-caregivers. Interaction effects suggest that minority stress may exacerbate mental health problems among MCI/ADRD caregivers. Findings underscore the need for targeted supports and interventions for LGBTQ+ MCI/ADRD caregivers.