Find or create support groups, and prepare for an increase in the number of residents with both cognitive impairment and HIV/AIDS. Those are two pieces of advice contained in a new issue brief for aging service providers about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and dementia from SAGE and the Alzheimer’s Association.
“While the LGBTQ+ community faces similar health concerns as the general public, LGBTQ+ people who receive a dementia diagnosis — and LGBTQ+ caregivers — face uniquely challenging circumstances,” SAGE CEO Michael Adams said in a statement. “This brief shines a light on these challenges, so we can begin taking steps to address them and improve the care and support LGBTQ+ people receive.”
One of the challenges for LGBTQ+ people with dementia or people caring for an LGBTQ+ person with dementia, according to the report, might be finding a support group meant specifically for them. If such support groups are not available in your community, then consider starting one, the organizations recommend. “That said, it is also important to ensure that LGBTQ+ people feel welcome at all of your support groups,” they advise.
HIV and cognitive impairment or dementia
HIV can lead to cognitive impairment or HIV-associated dementia, the report authors say.
Approximately 50% of individuals with HIV have cognitive issues, they add. HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder describes the full spectrum of cognitive impairment, and less severe forms occur in 30% to 60% of people infected with HIV, according to the report.
“Social isolation can further diminish cognitive functioning, so it is important for providers to consider ways to promote social engagement, as this may help improve or protect mood and cognitive functioning of their patients,” the authors state.
Providers caring for someone who has both dementia and HIV/AIDS also must ensure medication adherence according to the report.
Some cognitive impairments associated with HIV are more severe, the brief notes. HIV-associated dementia occurs in approximately 10% to 15% of all individuals with HIV/AIDS and is more common in the later stages of the infection, the authors say. No specific treatment guidelines for HIV-associated dementia are available, they say.
