Characterizing Multimorbidity Prevalence and Adverse Outcomes in Ethnically and Culturally Diverse Sub-Populations in India: Gaps, Opportunities, and Future Directions.

India is a large middle-income country and has surpassed China in overall population, comprising 20% of the global population (over 1.43 billion people). India is experiencing a major demographic shift in its aging population. Chronic diseases are common among older adults and can be persistent over the life course, lead to the onset of disability, and be costly. Among older adults in India, the existence of multiple comorbid chronic conditions (i.e., multimorbidity) is rapidly growing and represents a burgeoning public health burden. Prior research identified greater rates of multimorbidity (e.g., overweight/obesity diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and malignancies) in minority populations in the United States (U.S.); however, limited studies have attempted to characterize multimorbidity among older adult sub-populations residing in India. To address this gap, we conducted a narrative review of studies on multimorbidity using the data from the Longitudinal Aging Study of India (LASI), the largest nationally representative longitudinal survey study of adults in India. Our definition of multimorbidity was the presence of more than two conditions in the same person. Our findings, based on 15 reviewed studies, aim to (1) characterize the definition and measurement of multimorbidity and to ascertain its prevalence in ethnically and culturally diverse sub-populations in India; (2) identify adverse outcomes associated with multimorbidity in the Indian adult population; and (3) identify gaps, opportunities, and future directions.

Risk of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms Among People Who Develop Cognitive Impairment With and Without a History of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder.

We aimed to prospectively assess the change in neuropsychiatric symptoms among people who develop cognitive impairment and have a history of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We analyzed longitudinal data from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center Unified Data Set (March 2015 to December 2021). Analyses included individuals who were cognitively normal and who had nonmissing assessment of PTSD at the initial visit and had at least 1 follow-up visit with cognitive impairment. We compared the difference in the mean neuropsychiatric symptom score at the first Unified Data Set visit versus the first visit with a Clinical Dementia Rating of 0.5 between those with and without a history of PTSD. The mean neuropsychiatric symptom score change did not differ between those with and without a history of PTSD (1.06 vs. 0.77, respectively; P =0.79). The null results found in this study warrant future research. Several methodological limitations might explain these results.

Moderated Mediation Analysis of Structural Stigma and Suicidal Ideation and Behaviors Among Sexual and Gender Minority Adults.

Purpose: This study aimed to conduct a moderated mediation analysis to understand further the complex pathways through which structural stigma in the form of transgender sports bans was associated with suicidal ideation and behaviors among sexual and gender minority (SGM) adults. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 1033 adults who identified as SGM from across the 50 U.S. states and Washington, DC was conducted between January 28 and February 7, 2022. Distal discrimination distress was the mediation variable; individual resilience and social resources were the moderation variables. Familiarity with transgender sports bans represented structural stigma. The conditional process analysis was applied to build a moderated mediation model. Both conditional direct and indirect effects were computed by estimated coefficients. All models were based on linear regression. Results: Our final model explained nearly half (46%) of the variation in suicidal ideation and behaviors between those SGM adults familiar and those not familiar with transgender sports bans. Social resources significantly moderated the conditional indirect effect of distal discrimination distress (adjusted estimate = -0.23; 95% confidence interval = -0.37 to -0.08). Conclusion: Both discrimination distress and social resources influenced the association between structural stigma as measured by familiarity with transgender sports bans and suicidal ideation and behaviors among SGM adults. Findings support the need for future research examining the pathway between structural stigma and suicidal ideation and behaviors among SGM adults and how minority stress, social safety, and other constructs shape this pathway.

Synthesizing Best Practices to Promote Health Equity for Older Adults Through Community-Engaged Research.

Achieving health equity requires creating evidence that reflects the nuance and diversity of experiences among populations disproportionately impacted by age- and race-related disparities. Community-engaged research (CEnR) is one way to pursue equity in research on health and aging to ensure the relevance and translational potential of findings. The current review synthesizes best practices regarding CEnR that promote health equity among older adults, including an overview of CEnR, benefits, and fundamental principles, and three research exemplars from the authors' CEnR. Finally, we discuss these best practices and considerations for advancing CEnR to reduce health disparities experienced by historically underserved older adults and their families. [Research in Gerontological Nursing, 17(1), 9-16.].

Scoping Literature Review: Experiences of Sexual and Gender Minority Older Adults, With Diagnoses of Dementia, Who Use Residential Long-Term Services and Supports.

The number of sexual and gender minority (SGM) older adults utilizing residential long-term supports and services (LTSS) will increase in the forthcoming decades. Paradoxically, while requiring more LTSS services than their non-SGM counterparts, SGM older adults are less likely to access these services, partly due to fears of discrimination. Furthermore, SGM older adults living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD) present unique challenges and opportunities for LTSS facilities. This article provides a scoping review on the intersection between experiences of SGM older adults with AD/ADRD who use residential LTSS. This review identified three themes: (1) the experiences of discrimination among SGM residents in LTSS facilities, (2) the need for comprehensive staff training in residential LTSS to ensure proper care of SGM populations, and (3) the crucial role of inclusive facility policies. As the number of SGM older adults is expected to increase, further research is necessary.

Cognitive Impairment in Sexual and Gender Minority Groups: A Scoping Review of the Literature.

Purpose: The purpose of this review was to synthesize evidence on differences in cognitive impairment by sexual orientation/gender identity (SOGI) status. Methods: A scoping review of the literature was conducted. Five databases (PubMed/Medline, Cumulated Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Web of Science, PsycInfo, and Embase) were searched for primary articles comparing incidence or prevalence of cognitive impairment among sexual and gender minority (SGM) groups versus non-SGM groups. Two reviewers independently screened articles and conducted risk-of-bias assessment on eligible articles. Results: Fifteen primary studies were eligible. Most studies (n = 13) were cross-sectional, with moderate to critical risk of bias. Among eight studies examining self-reported cognitive impairment, seven reported a higher prevalence among some SGM groups versus non-SGM groups. Among seven studies using objective measures of cognitive impairment, three examined prevalence of clinician-documented diagnosis of dementia, of which two reported a higher prevalence specifically among transgender versus cisgender individuals. Among the other four studies examining objective measures, two reported poorer cognitive performance or memory, one reported better performance, and another reported no difference. Comparisons across studies were challenging due to inconsistencies in how SOGI and cognitive impairment were operationalized, and the factors used for statistical adjustment; some studies adjusted for putative intermediary factors that potentially explain differences in cognitive impairment. Conclusions: Whereas most published studies identified a positive relationship between SOGI status and self-reported cognitive impairment, evidence is mixed with regard to objective cognitive performance. Well-designed longitudinal, observational studies are needed, using objective measures of cognitive function, with careful consideration of confounding versus intermediary risk factors.

Use of Digital Health Resources by Sexual and Gender Minority Caregivers of Older Adults: Findings From the 2020 Caregiving in the U.S. Survey.

We applied Andersen's Behavioral Model of Health Services Use to investigate the health needs and use of digital health resources among sexual and/or gender minority (SGM) caregivers. Data were from the Caregiving in the U.S. 2020 survey. Regression analyses were used to describe associations between predisposing, enabling, and need factors and usage of digital health resources. SGM caregivers provided more hours of care per week, reported higher levels of care intensity, and reported higher physical, emotional, and financial strain compared with non-SGM caregivers. Regression analyses indicated SGM status was a significant predictor of overall use of digital health resources. Younger caregivers, racial minority caregivers, those providing higher levels of care, and those reporting a poorer health status were more likely to use digital health resources. Digital health resources may be useful tools for SGM caregivers of older adults. More research is needed to investigate the reasons SGM caregivers use these resources.

A Focus on Aging, HIV/AIDS, and Neurocognitive Challenges: Examining Southern Nevada HIV Sector Providers' Awareness and Prospective Roles.

Although abundant research has been carried out to investigate the underlying mechanisms that may cause neurocognitive challenges among middle-aged and older people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH), to monitor the prevalence rates of HIV-related neurocognitive deficits, and to identify factors related to the improvement of diagnostic screening tools, classification and nosology, and clinical and rehabilitative treatment of HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorder (HAND); to date, there have been only a few studies that have explored and examined the awareness and work experiences HIV sector healthcare and service providers have related to HAND. To address this research gap, we conducted a qualitative, community-based participatory research study and interviewed 12 HIV sector providers in Southern Nevada, USA, from January to April 2022. After performing a thematic analysis of our interviews, we were able to identify two major themes and several sub-themes. Under our first major theme, provider awareness and knowledge, we identified four sub-themes: (1) prior knowledge and current awareness; (2) lived experiences of patients and clients with neurocognitive challenges; (3) lack of knowledge as a barrier to providing needed care; and (4) continuing education and professional development. Under our second major theme, prospective provider roles, we identified three sub-themes: (1) early detection; (2) direct and practical support; and (3) appropriate and timely referrals. In this article, we discuss our findings and lessons learned from our study, as well as their implications for the future work of researchers and providers in the HIV sector related to improving care and support for people aging with HIV/AIDS and experiencing neurocognitive challenges.

Medical Mistrust Mediates the Relationship Between Nonconsensual Intersex Surgery and Healthcare Avoidance Among Intersex Adults.

BACKGROUND: Intersex individuals experience poor health due, in part, to healthcare avoidance. Nonconsensual intersex surgery may contribute to medical mistrust and avoidance among intersex populations. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between nonconsensual surgery and healthcare avoidance among intersex populations and to examine if medical mistrust mediates this relationship. METHODS: Data for this cross-sectional study were collected in 2018 and analyzed in 2022. Participants completed a survey collecting information on demographics, medical mistrust, history of nonconsensual surgery, and history of postponing healthcare. One hundred nine participants with valid responses to all regression model variables were included in the study. Multivariable logistic regression models controlling for age, race, and income, examined the relationship between nonconsensual surgery and postponing preventive and emergency healthcare. Mediation analyses of cross-sectional data examined whether medical mistrust mediated the relationship between nonconsensual surgery and postponing preventive and emergency healthcare. RESULTS: Mean medical mistrust score was 2.8 (range = 1-4; standard deviation = 0.8), 49.7% of participants had nonconsensual surgery in their lifetime, 45.9% postponed emergency healthcare, and 61.5% postponed preventive healthcare in their lifetime. Nonconsensual surgery was associated with increased odds of delaying preventive (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 4.17; confidence interval [CI] = 1.76-9.88; p = .016) and emergency healthcare (AOR = 4.26; CI = 1.71-10.59; p = .002). Medical mistrust mediated the relationship between nonconsensual surgery and delaying preventive (indirect effect = 1.78; CI = 1.16-3.67) and emergency healthcare (indirect effect = 1.66; CI = 1.04-3.30). CONCLUSIONS: Nonconsensual surgery contributed to healthcare avoidance in this intersex population by increasing medical mistrust. To decrease healthcare avoidance, intersex health promotion interventions should restrict nonconsensual surgery and build trust through trauma-informed care.

Many intersex people experience nonconsensual surgery during childhood to alter their genitalia and other anatomy. Some intersex people who have experienced nonconsensual surgery develop subsequent mistrust in medical providers and avoidance of healthcare. The purpose of this study was to understand the relationship between nonconsensual surgery and delay in emergency and preventive healthcare among intersex adults. Additionally, this study aimed to understand whether mistrust in medical providers mediates the relationship between nonconsensual surgery and delaying emergency and preventive healthcare. This study found that ever having nonconsensual surgery was positively associated with delaying both emergency and preventive healthcare among intersex adults. Additionally, this study found that increased mistrust in medical providers mediated the relationship between nonconsensual surgery and delaying emergency and preventive healthcare. Interventions aimed at improving the healthcare engagement of intersex adults may focus on building trust between intersex patients and healthcare providers and restricting nonconsensual intersex surgeries.

"Going Back in the Closet": Addressing Discrimination Against Sexual and Gender Minority Residents in Long-Term Services and Supports by Providing Culturally Responsive Care.

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) older adults face discrimination in long-term services and supports (LTSS). Yet, SGM older adults use LTSS disproportionately higher relative to their non-SGM counterparts. The discrimination is compounded by existing disparities, resulting in worse health outcomes and well-being for SGM older adults. Guided by socioecological model, we posit that training LTSS staff in SGM responsive care and implementing SGM anti-discrimination policies will be needed to improve care. Considering accessibility and turnover challenges, training should be online, interactive, and easily accessible. Studies that assess interventions for SGM responsive care are needed to guide policy and practice.

Global rural health disparities in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias: State of the science.

INTRODUCTION: Individuals living in rural communities are at heightened risk for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD), which parallels other persistent place-based health disparities. Identifying multiple potentially modifiable risk factors specific to rural areas that contribute to ADRD is an essential first step in understanding the complex interplay between various barriers and facilitators. METHODS: An interdisciplinary, international group of ADRD researchers convened to address the overarching question of: "What can be done to begin minimizing the rural health disparities that contribute uniquely to ADRD?" In this state of the science appraisal, we explore what is known about the biological, behavioral, sociocultural, and environmental influences on ADRD disparities in rural settings. RESULTS: A range of individual, interpersonal, and community factors were identified, including strengths of rural residents in facilitating healthy aging lifestyle interventions. DISCUSSION: A location dynamics model and ADRD-focused future directions are offered for guiding rural practitioners, researchers, and policymakers in mitigating rural disparities. HIGHLIGHTS: Rural residents face heightened Alzheimer's disease and related dementia (ADRD) risks and burdens due to health disparities. Defining the unique rural barriers and facilitators to cognitive health yields insight. The strengths and resilience of rural residents can mitigate ADRD-related challenges. A novel "location dynamics" model guides assessment of rural-specific ADRD issues.

The structural and social determinants of Alzheimer's disease related dementias.

INTRODUCTION: The projected growth of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and AD-related dementia (ADRD) cases by midcentury has expanded the research field and impelled new lines of inquiry into structural and social determinants of health (S/SDOH) as fundamental drivers of disparities in AD/ADRD. METHODS: In this review, we employ Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory as a framework to posit how S/SDOH impact AD/ADRD risk and outcomes. RESULTS: Bronfenbrenner defined the "macrosystem" as the realm of power (structural) systems that drive S/SDOH and that are the root cause of health disparities. These root causes have been discussed little to date in relation to AD/ADRD, and thus, macrosystem influences, such as racism, classism, sexism, and homophobia, are the emphasis in this paper. DISCUSSION: Under Bronfenbrenner's macrosystem framework, we highlight key quantitative and qualitative studies linking S/SDOH with AD/ADRD, identify scientific gaps in the literature, and propose guidance for future research. HIGHLIGHTS: Ecological systems theory links structural/social determinants to AD/ADRD. Structural/social determinants accrue and interact over the life course to impact AD/ADRD. Macrosystem is made up of societal norms, beliefs, values, and practices (e.g., laws). Most macro-level determinants have been understudied in the AD/ADRD literature.

Discordance in chromosomal and self-reported sex in the UK Biobank: Implications for transgender- and intersex-inclusive data collection.

There is growing need to distinguish between sex and gender. While sex is assigned at birth, gender is socially constructed and may not correspond to one's assigned sex. However, in most research studies, sex or gender is assessed in isolation or the terms are used interchangeably, which has implications for research accuracy and inclusivity. We used data from the UK Biobank to quantify the prevalence of disagreement between chromosomal and self-reported sex and identify potential reasons for discordance. Among approximately 200 individuals with sex discordance, 71% of discordances were potentially explained by the presence of intersex traits or transgender identity. The findings indicate that when describing sex- and/or gender-specific differences in health, researchers may be limited in their ability to draw conclusions regarding specific sex and/or gender health information.

Perceived Discrimination in Health Care for LGBTQIA+ People Living With Parkinson's Disease.

OBJECTIVES: People who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual, other non-cisgender, and non-heterosexual identities (LGBTQIA+) experience discrimination when accessing health care. We investigated specific experiences of LGBTQIA+ people with Parkinson's disease (PwP) as they are less known. METHODS: Data were obtained from Fox Insight for PwP identifying as LGBTQIA+ (n = 210), cisgender, heterosexual women (n = 2,373) or cisgender, heterosexual men (n = 2,453). Discrimination in Medical Settings Scale responses and reports of whether gender identity or sexual orientation played a role in the perceived discrimination were compared across the groups. RESULTS: Parkinson's diagnosis age was the youngest for LGBTQIA+ PwP. Despite similar levels of education with cisgender, heterosexual men, LGBTQIA+ people had lower levels of income and were more likely to be unemployed. Cisgender, heterosexual women and LGBTQIA+ PwP reported greater discrimination than cisgender, heterosexual men. Compared to cisgender, heterosexual men; LGBTQIA+ people (25%) and cisgender, heterosexual women (20%) were more likely to report their gender affected how they were treated; LGBTQIA+ PwP (19%) were more likely to report their sexual orientation affected how they were treated. DISCUSSION: Women and LGBTQIA+ PwP may be at a higher risk for discrimination in medical settings. Facing disparities while receiving health care based on gender or sexual orientation can affect the health care utilization of PwP. Health care providers should consider their behaviors and interactions with PwP to ensure inclusive and welcoming health care environments.

A systematic review of measures of gender and biological sex: Exploring candidates for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD) research.

Background: Gender and biological sex are social and structural determinants of health and umbrella concepts encompassing many distinct attributes. This systematic review summarizes measures of gender and biological sex published in the biomedical literature. The goal was to identify measures that may be useful to researchers studying Alzheimer's disease and Alzheimer's disease related dementias (AD/ADRD). Methods: A search of PubMed, Embase, and PsycINFO (ProQuest platform) databases from 2000 to 2021 identified 1454 articles, which were then screened by five independent reviewers. Measures of gender and biological sex are summarized according to theoretical commitments and psychometric properties. Results: Twenty-nine measures were identified that assessed gender-related constructs, and 4 were identified that assessed biological factors. Self-report instruments characterized aspects of gender, such as gender stereotypes, norms, and ideologies. One measure was developed with a focus on older adults (65+ years). Discussion: We offer recommendations to guide measurement of gender in AD/ADRD research, including how the use of specific existing measures may help advance AD/ADRD research. The lack of gender measures for older adults limits AD/ADRD research. New measures may be needed to address lifespan and generational differences in gender factors. Highlights: A review of articles identifies 29 measures of gender in biomedical research.Gender is captured using multidimensional, self-reported concepts.One measure was developed with a focus on older adults (65+).

Alzheimer's Disease Services, Staffing, and Outcomes in Adult Day Health Centers.

OBJECTIVES: Increasing rates of Alzheimer disease and related dementia (ADRD) has resulted in greater reliance on adult day health centers (ADHCs) and their skilled workforce. Little is known about staffing in ADHCs that provide ADRD services compared with ADHCs that do not. This study examines whether there are differences in staffing between ADHCs that offer ADRD services versus those that do not, and whether the percentage of ADHC participants with ADRD is associated with staffing levels. It also examines whether staffing levels and provision of ADRD services are associated with participant outcomes. DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis of secondary survey data. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: We used facility-level data from the 2014 National Post-acute and Long-term Care Study Adult Day Services Center module. This survey is completed by administrators of ADHCs, who provide information about their ADHC's organization, services, participants, sources of payment, staffing, and participant outcomes. METHODS: Bivariate comparisons and multivariate regressions were used to compare scope of services, staffing, and participant outcomes for ADHCs that offered ADRD programs compared with those that did not. RESULTS: ADHCs with ADRD programs had similar average daily attendance, less revenue from Medicaid and self-payment, and greater proportions of Black and female participants. ADHCs with ADRD programs had similar staff hours per participant day for all staff categories; licensed nurse staffing increased and social worker staffing decreased with the proportion of participants with ADRD. Staffing had significant associations with participant outcomes. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: ADHCs that have more participants with ADRD have greater staffing of licensed nurses but fewer social workers. Participant outcomes are associated with staffing, but the results suggest that there are unmeasured dimensions of participant risk that confound the relationship.

Transgender Adults From Minoritized Ethnoracial Groups in the U.S. Report Greater Subjective Cognitive Decline.

OBJECTIVES: Investigate subjective cognitive decline (SCD) among 4 study groups consisting of cisgender and transgender adults who are from minoritized ethnoracial groups (i.e., minoritized ethnoracial transgender, minoritized ethnoracial cisgender) and White cisgender and transgender adults aged 45+ (i.e., White transgender, White cisgender) to determine the odds of SCD by group and to test for group differences. METHODS: Data from the 2015-2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System were used in a modified case-control approach to perform an intercategorical intersectional study. Each transgender participant was matched to 2 cisgender men and 2 cisgender women, on state, ethnoracial identity, and age. Multivariable logistic regressions modeled SCD odds by group and post hoc contrasts estimated pairwise odds ratios comparing the SCD odds for each combination of groups. RESULTS: SCD prevalence was highest among minoritized ethnoracial transgender (21.6%), followed by White transgender (15.0%), minoritized ethnoracial cisgender (12.0%), and White cisgender (9.0%). After accounting for age, education, and survey year, the odds of SCD were higher in minoritized ethnoracial transgender when compared to White cisgender (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.51, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.59-3.96) and minoritized ethnoracial cisgender (aOR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.16-3.09). The odds of SCD were higher in White transgender compared to White cisgender (aOR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.20-2.30). DISCUSSION: When considering the intersection of transgender and ethnoracial identities, we found that transgender adults from minoritized ethnoracial groups reported higher odds of SCD when compared to cisgender adults from minoritized ethnoracial groups. Additional studies are needed to understand the relationship between racialized and gendered inequities in cognitive impairment and how specific mechanisms of systemic transphobia and racism may contribute to this inequity.

Cognitive Aging with Dementia, Mild Cognitive Impairment, or No Impairment: A Comparison of Same- and Mixed-Sex Couples.

BACKGROUND: Lesbian and gay older adults have health disparities that are risk factors for Alzheimer's disease, yet little is known about the neurocognitive aging of sexual minority groups. OBJECTIVE: To explore cross-sectional and longitudinal dementia outcomes for adults in same-sex relationships (SSR) and those in mixed-sex relationships (MSR). METHODS: This prospective observational study utilized data from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center Uniform Data Set (NACC UDS) collected from contributing Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers. Participants were adults aged 55+ years at baseline with at least two visits in NACC UDS (from September 2005 to March 2021) who had a spouse, partner, or companion as a co-participant. Outcome measures included CDR® Dementia Staging Instrument, NACC UDS neuropsychological testing, and the Functional Activities Questionnaire. Multivariable linear mixed-effects models accounted for center clustering and repeated measures by individual. RESULTS: Both MSR and SSR groups experienced cognitive decline regardless of baseline diagnosis. In general, MSR and SSR groups did not differ statistically on cross-sectional or longitudinal estimates of functioning, dementia severity, or neuropsychological testing, with two primary exceptions. People in SSR with mild cognitive impairment showed less functional impairment at baseline (FAQ M = 2.61, SD = 3.18 vs. M = 3.97, SD = 4.53, respectively; p < 0.01). The SSR group with dementia had less steep decline in attention/working memory (ß estimates = -0.10 versus -0.18; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Participants in SSR did not show cognitive health disparities consistent with a minority stress model. Additional research into protective factors is warranted.

Inclusive Care Practices and Policies Among Sexual and Gender Minority Older Adults.

As the health care and well-being of sexual and gender minority (SGM; i.e., lesbian, gay, bisexual, and/or transgender or gender non-binary) people in the United States receive federal and local-level attention, SGM older adults and caregivers continue to be left out of important health policy and care conversations. The current article describes policy issues and affirmative strategies related to inclusive care practices among SGM older adults and caregivers. In addition to the broader policies considered related to health and well-being, we include a discussion of local-level policy strategies to mitigate discrimination and promote inclusive care for SGM older adults and caregivers. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 48(12), 6-15.].

Feasibility of the Savvy Caregiver Program for LGBTQ+ Caregivers of People Living with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias.

Nearly 350,000 lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) adults in the U.S. are currently living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). Informal caregivers face challenges impacting their ability to access and receive adequate and inclusive care for LGBTQ+ persons living with ADRD. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility and acceptability of the Savvy Caregiver Program for caregivers of LGBTQ+ individuals living with ADRD. Data for this secondary analysis come from caregivers (n = 17) who completed 6 sessions of the Savvy program. Caregivers were very satisfied with tailored program activities. Analyses of trends suggest non-significant increases in positive aspects of caregiving and decreases in caregiver burden and depressive symptoms. This is the first known study assessing the feasibility of the Savvy Caregiver Program for caregivers of LGBTQ+ individuals living with ADRD. Future research on the Savvy Caregiver Program for caregivers of LGBTQ+ people living with ADRD is needed.