LGBTQIA+ - Health Disparities

LGBTQIA+ people experience health disparities across many areas. According to the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies, LGBTQIA+ people experience more depression, obesity in the lesbian population, higher rates of smoking and alcohol use, lower rates of preventative screenings, including pap tests, mammograms & prostate exams, higher risk factors of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and higher incidents of HIV/AIDS for gay & bi-sexual men.

Cognitive health is linked to overall health, so access to healthcare, especially preventative care, is a priority to reduce health disparities that lead to memory loss & dementia. We must encourage & incentivize LGBTQIA+ communities to access healthcare services, make lifestyle changes & support their overall health to reduce the prevalence of Alzheimer's in this community.