LGBTQ-RELATED NEGATIVE LIFE EVENTS AND COGNITION: THE ROLE OF SLEEP, MENTAL DISTRESS AND UNSUPPORTIVE FAMILY
2024

LGBTQ+ Life Events and Cognition

Sample size: 1202 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Tara McKay, Anyah Prasad

Primary Institution: Vanderbilt University

Hypothesis

The study examines how LGBTQ-related negative life events affect cognitive difficulty, mediated by sleep quality and mental distress, and moderated by unsupportive family.

Conclusion

LGBTQ+ adults, particularly those with unsupportive family, are at a higher risk of cognitive impairment as they age.

Supporting Evidence

  • 20% of respondents reported experiences of discrimination, harassment, and/or violence.
  • 40% of respondents reported cognitive difficulty.
  • Negative life events increased trouble falling asleep and mental distress.
  • Mental distress significantly increased the odds of cognitive difficulty.

Takeaway

LGBTQ+ older people can have trouble remembering things, especially if they have had bad experiences and don't have supportive family.

Methodology

The study used Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to analyze data from the LGBTQ+ Social Networks, Aging and Policy Study.

Participant Demographics

Participants were LGBTQ+ adults aged 50-76 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.000

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.4316

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