June is an important month of reflection, celebration, and advocacy, marked by Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month, Juneteenth, and LGBTQ+ Pride. Each of these highlights the importance of equity, identity, and community, especially for those navigating the challenges of Alzheimer's disease. For many minority groups, including Black Americans and LGBTQ+ people, Alzheimer's presents unique and compounded difficulties. These communities face challenges getting diagnoses, adequate care, and support systems, often rooted in systemic opposition and cultural stigmas. As we honor the history and perseverance of Black communities on Juneteenth and celebrate LGBTQ+ lives during Pride, it is also important to raise awareness of how Alzheimer’s disproportionately affects these groups and advocate for inclusion, care, and research.
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder and one of the most expensive diseases to live with in the world, according to USC Schaeffer Institute for Public Policy & Government Service. Proteins build up in the brain, resulting in cell death and brain shrinkage, leading to a decline in memory, thinking skills, and the ability to perform simple tasks. Currently, an estimated 6.2 million Americans 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's. By 2050, this number could double. Almost 8% of older adults who identify as gay, lesbian, or bisexual in America have some form of Alzheimer's; within the Black community, this number rises to 21%.
Researchers are not yet sure why Black Americans and LGBTQ+ Americans are disproportionately affected by Alzheimer’s, but some studies suggest overall health and socioeconomic status are the main culprits. Black and LGBTQ+ individuals are more likely to experience health complications that are linked to Alzheimer’s, like depression, obesity, alcohol and tobacco use, cardiovascular disease, and lower rates of preventative health screenings. “Stigmas, misunderstandings, and weak linkages to our nation’s healthcare system are leading to significant disparities in Alzheimer’s and dementia diagnosis rates, access to treatment, quality of care, and clinical research,” according to UsAgainstAlzheimer’s.
Both communities often struggle to receive diagnoses at all, due to a lack of culturally competent care. A data analysis from Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers found Black patients often have to present with more severe clinical symptoms to get a diagnosis from their doctor compared to white patients. Additionally, discrimination in healthcare acts as a barrier to receiving care. 52% of Black Americans report they are not confident they will receive culturally competent care. 40% of LGBTQ+ older adults are afraid of facing discrimination if they share their sexual orientation with a doctor.
When an individual does manage to get a diagnosis, it can be harder to find care and support. In the LGBTQ+ community, older adults are less likely to have partners or children who can take on the bulk of care, and only 8% of aging services providers offer services targeted to LGBTQ+ older adults. In the Black community, over half of caregivers say they have faced discrimination while caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's. Plus, older adults in these communities have the same needs as other older adults like housing, transportation, legal services, and social events, but many support systems are not set up to provide culturally competent care for LGBTQ+ or Black older adults.
Luckily, some aging services, like JABA, try to fill those gaps. JABA is committed to providing care and support for individuals from all walks of life with inclusion and compassion. JABA offers a wide range of programs and services for all individuals to empower independence, promote healthy aging, and foster dignity and fulfillment for everyone on their aging journey.
June is for more than long days and picnics. It serves as a powerful reminder of the intersections between identity, health, and justice. As we honor Juneteenth and LGBTQ+ Pride and recognize Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, we must also think about the disparities in healthcare access and outcomes. Alzheimer’s does not affect all communities equally; Black and LGBTQ+ Americans face systematic inequalities and stigmas that others do not. But by pushing for research, representation, and resources founded on compassion and inclusion, we can create a future where every person, regardless of race, class, gender, or orientation, can age with dignity, support, and hope.
Ty Mynes is a writer and Communications specialist at JABA.