{"id":354807,"date":"2023-06-15T11:41:42","date_gmt":"2023-06-15T16:41:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/lgbtq-law\/lgbtq-older-adult\/lgbtq-living-with-alzheimer-s.html"},"modified":"2026-05-18T11:29:00","modified_gmt":"2026-05-18T16:29:00","slug":"lgbtq-living-with-alzheimer-s","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/lgbtq-law\/lgbtq-older-adult\/lgbtq-living-with-alzheimer-s.html","title":{"rendered":"LGBTQ+ Older Adults: Living With Alzheimer’s and Dementia"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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LGBTQ+ Older Adults: Living With Alzheimer's and Dementia<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Isobel Healy, J.D., M.P.H.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Bridget Molitor, JD<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

LGBTQ+ <\/span>older adults<\/span> face heightened risks of Alzheimer\u2019s and dementia due to factors like depression, discrimination\u2011related stress, and social isolation<\/span>. Early diagnosis and support from affirming providers and organizations such as SAGE and the Alzheimer\u2019s Association<\/span> can significantly improve quality of life<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

LGBTQ+ older adults<\/span> living with dementia or Alzheimer\u2019s often face unique challenges shaped by stigma, discrimination, and uneven access to affirming care. These experiences can make it more difficult to get timely support, accurate diagnoses, and treatment. Understanding what Alzheimer\u2019s is is the first step toward navigating care with clarity and dignity.<\/p>\n

This article explains how Alzheimer\u2019s and dementia impact older adults<\/span> in the LGBTQA+ community<\/span><\/a>. Keep reading to learn more, including resources for caregivers<\/span> and families, and how to find legal help if you or a loved one<\/span> are facing barriers or discrimination to quality care<\/span> and support.<\/p>\n

If you are LGBTQ+ and living with dementia, or are a caregiver<\/span> for someone who is, you are not alone. A civil rights attorney<\/a> can explain legal protections, address discrimination in healthcare or long\u2011term care, and ensure your wishes are respected.<\/p>\n

Alzheimer\u2019s in LGBTQ+ Older Adults<\/span><\/h2>\n

Alzheimer\u2019s disease<\/span> is a\u00a0specific type of dementia<\/a>. It is a progressive disease in which\u00a0symptoms gradually worsen\u00a0over the years. In early stages, memory loss<\/span> is mild, but in later stages, individuals lose the ability to recognize loved ones<\/span>, carry on conversations, and otherwise respond appropriately to their surroundings.<\/p>\n

According to a report from the Alzheimer\u2019s Association<\/span><\/a>, 7.4% of the lesbian<\/span>, gay, and bisexual<\/span> older adult<\/span> population is living with dementia. Among them, 34% live alone. Up to 30% don\u2019t have the same access to quality care<\/span> as heterosexual<\/span> people living with dementia. One-third report that their healthcare providers<\/span> are unaware of their sexual orientation<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Are LGBTQ+ <\/span>Older Adults<\/span> at Greater Risk for Alzheimer\u2019s?<\/h2>\n

A\u00a0growing body of research<\/a>\u00a0shows that LGBTQ+ <\/span>older adults<\/span> are more likely to experience mental health<\/span> challenges that may put them at greater risk for Alzheimer\u2019s, including:<\/p>\n