To be honest, I never thought that I would be reading or talking about anything related to aging when I was young, did you? I certainly never thought that I would write about it or be involved with great people educating me on ways to help my loved ones or even myself. As a very young man living in San Francisco during the AIDS crisis, every medical doctor told gay and bisexual men they would all die within 6 months and that was before certified medications were developed to save lives. It was a grim time to live through and now I am aging, hopefully gracefully.
Over a year ago, I was invited to work with an amazing team of people with the Alzheimer's Association to develop strategies for developing dementia programs and education designed to reach the LGBTQIA+ communities in the San Francisco Bay Area. We will also be taking a closer look at the needs of other priority communities. I am grateful to this team for helping me to deal with the impact of dementia on my sister's life. I knew nothing at all about dementia or how cruel it could be for families. But now, I am prepared to support and help others to better understand it.
In California, there are currently 690,000 people living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, and that number is expected to double by 2040. Did you know that LGBTQIA+ seniors are twice as likely as their heterosexual counterparts to develop dementia? LGBTQIA+ individuals living with dementia may face additional challenges and discrimination compared to non-LGBTQ individuals with the same illness. This can include a lack of support and understanding from healthcare providers and caregivers, as well as fear of discrimination and marginalization within care facilities. Additionally, LGBTQIA+ people may have a past of discrimination that can be triggered by the cognitive decline associated with dementia, leading to increased feelings of isolation and distress. It’s important for providers and caregivers to be aware of and sensitive to these unique experiences and to work to create inclusive and accepting environments for those living with dementia.
Everyone is welcome to attend the conference and learn more about dementia and the impact it may have on every family. Dementia affects everyone. It doesn't discriminate based on race, national origin, sex, religion, or age. It's better to learn the warning signs and ways to support friends, caregivers, and family members. The event will focus on the following areas and time will be allowed for questions and answers:
Dementia in the LGBTQ Community
The 10 Signs of Dementia
Community Resources for Caregivers
Overcoming Barriers: Caregiving While Black and Queer
Are you or anyone that you know caring for a loved one that has dementia? On Thursday, February 9th the Alzheimer’s Association is hosting a half-day conference focused on learning, resources, and support for LGBTQIA+ caregivers, community members, and families taking care of their loved ones. The event will be held in person at the California Endowment Regional Office located at 2000 Franklin Street in downtown Oakland. To register for the event and obtain more information, please go to tinyurl.com/Agewithpride or call 800.272.3900. You can also participate online by registering at tinyurl.com/ZoomAgewithPride.
If you have any questions about the half-day event, Aging with Pride, please email me at mikael.wagner@gmail.com. Just a reminder, everyone is welcome to attend, it's a great opportunity to learn and prepare yourself and others if needed.
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