The LGBTQ+ community may face particular challenges related to Alzheimer's and dementia. These include finding inclusive and welcoming healthcare providers, less ability to call upon adult children for assistance, concerns about stigma, and higher rates of poverty and social isolation.
Dementia and the LGBTQ+ community
These documents from the Alzheimer's Association describe the issues that members of the LGBTQ+ community and their loved one's experience and offer guidance for navigating these challenges.
- Issues Brief: LGBTQ+ and Dementia (PDF), a collaboration with SAGE, outlines specific issues of concern related to LGBTQ+ people with dementia, including stigma, family composition, poverty and social isolation.
- LGBTQ+ Older Adults and Dementia (PDF) is a guide for LGBTQ+ community members living with Alzheimer's or other dementia.
- This infographic on the LGBTQ+ community (PDF) and dementia includes important information about the LGBTQ+ community and dementia, including data about the challenges members of the community face accessing care.
At the Alzheimer's Association, we believe that diverse perspectives are critical to achieving health equity — meaning that all communities have a fair and just opportunity for early diagnosis and access to risk reduction and quality care.
The Association is committed to engaging underrepresented and underserved communities and responding with resources and education to address the
disproportionate impact of Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Caregiver resources for LGBTQ+ community members
Members of the LGBTQ+ community who are spouses, partners, and family members caring for someone living with Alzheimer's may also face challenges in finding culturally sensitive care, support networks, and other resources.
- LGBQT+ Caregiver Concerns outlines important considerations for care partners and caregivers, including legal issues, accessing health care and disclosing sexual orientation.
- ALZConnected® is a free online community for people living with dementia and their caregivers. It includes a forum specifically for members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies to connect with one another.
- SAGE's National Resource Center on LGBTQ+ Aging provides several resources for assistance with care planning and caregiver support.
- Eldercare Locator helps care partners and caregivers find care for older adults: 800.677.1116
Resources for LGBTQ+ community members
The Alzheimer's Association, its national partners and other organizations provide resources for members of the LBGTQ+ community who are living with Alzheimer's and other dementia. On our national blog, Dan Stewart of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation shares how the Human Rights Campaign is partnering with the Association to help ensure aging LGBTQ+ elders have access to Alzheimer’s information and resources.
- ALZConnected® is a free online community for people living with dementia and their caregivers. It includes a forum specifically for members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies to connect with one another.
- SAGE, one of our national partners, is a national advocacy and services organization for LGBTQ+ elders. It provides resources on housing, long term care, discrimination and more issues that LGBTQ+ older adults face.
- SAGE operates the National Resource Center on LGBTQ+ Aging, which is the country's first and only technical assistance resource center aimed at improving the quality of services and supports offered to lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender older adults. It also provides listings of local resources.
- SAGECare provides training on culturally competent care for LGBTQ+ older adults, including modules on LGBTQ+ people and dementia and training for memory care providers.
- The SAGE National LGBTQ+ Elder Hotline connects older adults with resources: 877.360.LGBT (5428)
- The Gay and Lesbian Medical Association advocates for health equity and provides a directory of health care providers for those seeking a LGBTQ+-friendly doctor or other health professional.
- Lambda Legal is a national organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and everyone living with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work.
Volunteer opportunities in the community
Millions of Americans are impacted by Alzheimer’s disease, but you can do something to help by becoming an Alzheimer’s Association volunteer. Our ability to reach and support those affected depends on people like you who are dedicated to the fight against this disease.
The Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter partners with houses of worship to provide meaningful volunteer opportunities for their patrons. The opportunities include Community Educator, Support Group Facilitator, and Community Representative which are detailed below.
Alzheimer's Association
Community Educators are volunteer public speakers who provide Alzheimer's Association education programs to community audiences. Community Educators:
- Deliver approximately 6-12 presentations (in person or virtually) annually using prepared Alzheimer’s Association education programs on a variety of care and support topics
- Serve as a presenter for chapter education programs and conferences on behalf of their house of worship
- Connect people with additional Association services and volunteer opportunities by proactively making referrals to Alzheimer's Association programs & free 24/7 Helpline
Support Group Facilitators create a safe, open environment where people share their feelings, thoughts, and experiences in a combined effort to better cope with and manage the shared problems of dementia. Support Group Facilitators:
- Facilitate groups of caregivers or people living with dementia to provide social and educational support helping group members provide emotional support to one another
- Present pertinent Association materials and information to group members and assure a positive experience for attendees
- Connect people with additional Association services and volunteer opportunities by proactively making referrals to Alzheimer's Association programs & free 24/7 Helpline
Alzheimer's Association
Community Representatives are community engagers that raise awareness of Alzheimer's Association programs, provide basic disease information, and link consumers to Alzheimer’s Association services. Community Representatives:
- Represent the Alzheimer's Association at a target of community events/year (in person or virtually) in neighborhoods, rural counties, business and civic organizations, or faith communities
- Offer 5-20-minute Introduction to Alzheimer’s presentations for community organizations, congregations, civic organizations, sororities/fraternities, clubs, and other locations
If you are interested in learning more about our volunteer opportunities, visit our volunteer page or connect with Amelia Garza at amgarza@alz.org.