A new study has revealed that members of the LGBTQ+ community may face a heightened risk of developing dementia and late-life depression compared to their cisgender and heterosexual counterparts. The research, conducted in the United States, analyzed data from over 390,000 individuals to examine the prevalence of neurological conditions such as dementia, depression, and stroke.
The study, published in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, found that LGBTQ+ individuals were 15% more likely to experience negative brain health outcomes after controlling for factors like age, smoking, and high blood pressure. Specifically, the research indicated a 14% higher likelihood of dementia and a 27% increased risk of late-life depression among those identifying as sexual and gender minorities.
Shufan Huo from the Yale School of Medicine, a co-author of the study, highlighted the importance of addressing health disparities within this population. “In an era where equitable healthcare is increasingly recognized as crucial, it is concerning how little is known about the health disparities faced by LGBTQ+ individuals,” Huo stated. “Our study, which focuses on a group historically underrepresented in neurological research, found an increased risk of adverse brain health outcomes.”
The study also noted that LGBTQ+ individuals had higher rates of smoking, substance use disorders, and HIV infection compared to the general population. Additionally, it was found that transgender women face a 68% higher risk of stroke compared to cisgender individuals, though no similar increased risk was observed for other LGBTQ+ groups.
Huo emphasized the need for further research to understand the causes of these disparities. Potential contributing factors include discrimination, stress, access to healthcare, and legal and policy issues. However, the study acknowledged a limitation in that it did not investigate the underlying mechanisms behind these health disparities.
This research underscores the urgent need to address healthcare inequalities and to better understand the unique challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in order to improve health outcomes for this group.
Related topics:
- Motivation During Depression: A Guide to Finding Light in the Darkness
- Understanding & Responding to Severe Depression: A Comprehensive Guide
- How to Fix Heat Stroke: Immediately Effective Method
