FT‐02‐04: Leveraging ADNI

Background: Ethnic minority groups seek a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and related dementias much later than their counterparts. Delay in diagnosis can lead to significantly reduced quality of life through all disease stages for older persons with AD and their caregivers. Although a late diagnosis may be influenced by lack of knowledge about the disease, lack of access to care, lack of trust in the medical system and normalization of aging, the emphasis in this study is on cultural values and beliefs. This study expands our knowledge on the role cultural beliefs play in addressing Alzheimer’s disease. Methods: Qualitative and quantitative methods were used in this study. Two hour inperson qualitative interviews were conducted 80 African American (AA), American Indian (AI) and European American (EA) caregivers. Thirty minute telephone interviews were conducted with 200 African American, American Indian and European American caregivers. Results: Findings from the qualitative study of 80 caregivers show that all groups (AA, AI & EA) value having a diagnosis, but differ in their cultural beliefs and perceptions about symptom recognition and timing of a medical evaluation to seek a diagnosis. AI and AA caregivers beliefs systems centered on their social histories and, spiritual beliefs, and filial piety; EA, beliefs focused on providing adequate care and adhering to family support values. Difficulty differentiating (spiritual beliefs) between illness and personality was more prevalent among AA and AI caregivers than EA and they were more likely to resist medical label of dementia (filial piety; histories) than EA. Telephone surveys with 200 caregivers show that the majority of: AA caregivers were more likely to identify dementia when it consumed more of the personality; AI when dementia was linked to the role performance of females as opposed to males; EA caregivers when behaviors indicated signs of serious illness (family values). The average number of years in seeking a diagnosis also differed among the groups: AA 6 years; AI 5 years and EA 2 years. Conclusions: Dementia diagnosis is constructed within families and a medical diagnosis is sought after a cultural understanding is negotiated in the context of a cultural group. O2-01-02 ILLNESS PERCEPTIONS AMONG OLDER ADULTS WITH MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT