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Modifiable determinants of physical functioning among LGBT older adults with cognitive impairment
Author(s) -
Kim HyunJun,
FredriksenGoldsen Karen,
Jung Hailey
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
alzheimer's and dementia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.713
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 1552-5279
pISSN - 1552-5260
DOI - 10.1002/alz.056610
Subject(s) - psychology , transgender , gerontology , recreation , social isolation , cognition , stigma (botany) , cognitive skill , lesbian , cognitive impairment , social cognitive theory , clinical psychology , developmental psychology , medicine , psychiatry , political science , psychoanalysis , law
Background Heightened risks of cognitive impairment are a critical health concern for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) older adults. The physical and functional declines associated with cognitive impairment are known to increase risks of injury and decrease independent mobility. Method Guided by the Health Equity Promotion Model, this study analyzed longitudinal data (T0 to T2, N=646) to examine risk and protective factors predicting changes in physical functioning over time among LGBT older adults with cognitive impairment. Result According to the results of multilevel mixed models, social support, physical, recreational, and wellness activities, and nutrition were associated with improvement in physical functioning over two years while stigma contributed to decline in physical functioning. Conclusion LGBT older adults with cognitive impairment face unique challenges due to social stigma and isolation. The findings suggest that enhancing their access to community resources and their participations in physical, social, community, and recreational activities would improve their physical functioning.