Dementia and the LGBT+ community

The Alzheimer's Association National Capital Area Chapter, in partnership with George Washington University will present a free one-hour webinar on dementia and the LGBT communty on Wednesday, March 10 at Noon. The webinar will include case presentations and discussions on socio-cultural considerations in care. Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits are available.

"Older adults who identify as LGBT are twice as likely to be single and live independently and are four times less likely to have children than their non-LGBT counterparts in the United States," said Emeobong "Eme" Martin, MPH, Regional Health Systems Director for the Alzheimer's Association chapters serving the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. "Combining these statistics with the known stigma that many members of the LGBT+ community face in all aspects of life, including medical care, creates a compelling case to understand and address the unique needs of LGBT+ older adults in order to improve quality of life and outcomes related to living with dementia."

Ms. Martin will moderate the hour-long discussion on dementia disparities and building equitable, compassionate care for members of the LGBT+ community living with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. Featured speakers and panelists include:

• Imani Woody, President and CEO, Mary's House,
• Tim Johnston, Senior Director of National Projects, SAGE
• Phil Gutis, Early-Stage Alzheimer's and Dementia Advocate
• Carl V. Hill, Ph.D, MPH, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, Alzheimer's Association
• Tania Alchalabi, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences
• Christina Prather, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences

"In the five years since being diagnosed with earlier onset Alzheimer's, my husband and I have learned a great deal about living with this disease," said Phil Gutis, a patient advocate and panel member. "It is critically important," Gutis added, "that the Alzheimer's community understand the unique concerns of LGBT+ people living with dementia as it grapples with questions of diversity, equity and compassionate care."

"I am thrilled to be a part of this panel", said Dr. Tim Johnston, Senior Director of National Projects with SAGE. "At SAGE we are committed to giving both professionals and caregivers the information they need to ensure that LGBT people with dementia have the support they need."

This webinar is the second of a three-part series presented in partnership with George Washington University. The third and final webinar will focus on the Latinx community in June 2021. Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits are pending.

To register for this free webinar, visit alz.org/nca.