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Barriers to Recruiting Sexual and Gender Minority Older Adults into Dementia Research

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A recent study published in the Journal of Applied Gerontology has shed light on the challenges of recruiting sexual and gender minority (SGM) older adults into research on dementia. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Minnesota, aimed to identify barriers and facilitators to recruiting SGM older adults using long-term services and supports (LTSS) into research. The findings highlight the importance of developing strategies to identify SGM participants, mitigate discrimination, and ensure appropriate consent processes for those with cognitive impairment.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that SGM older adults, including those in long-term care and living with cognitive impairment, are underrepresented in research.
  • Qualitative interviews with 20 assisted living and nursing home administrators identified three key themes: difficulty identifying SGM residents, the need to address discrimination by other residents, and special considerations when working with SGM residents who have Alzheimer's disease or related dementias (AD/ADRD).
  • The results offer guidance for researchers aiming to ethically and effectively include SGM older adults with AD/ADRD in LTSS settings.
  • Financial support for the research came from the National Institute of Health Sciences.
  • The study's findings have potential implications for the development of policies and interventions aimed at promoting the health and well-being of SGM older adults.

Statistics:

  • 20 assisted living and nursing home administrators were interviewed as part of the study.
  • 3 key themes emerged from the thematic analysis of the interviews: difficulty identifying SGM residents, the need to address discrimination by other residents, and special considerations when working with SGM residents who have Alzheimer's disease or related dementias (AD/ADRD).
  • The study found that SGM older adults are underrepresented in research, highlighting the need for increased inclusion of this population in dementia research.

Sources:

  • Recruiting Sexual and Gender Minority Older Adults With and Without Dementia in Long-Term Care: Overcoming Barriers and Lessons Learned. Journal of Applied Gerontology, 2025:7334648251378797.

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