Innovations in Dementia Empowerment and Action

The lack of efficacious research-based interventions for such vulnerable older adults with
Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (AD/RD) and their caregivers (CGs) is a significant
public health problem. Caregiving of sexual/gender minority older adults with AD/RD is of
concern due to social stigma, marginalization, and isolation, which may be barriers to
sustaining caregiving. It is necessary and timely to translate evidence-based culturally
adaptable interventions for this underserved and stigmatized population. Reducing Disability
in Alzheimer's Disease (RDAD) has been evaluated in a randomized controlled trial and has
shown to successfully train community-dwelling CR (care receiver)-CG dyads to increase the
physical activity and functioning of individuals with AD/RD and their CGs and to teach CGs
techniques for managing behavioral symptoms of CRs. RDAD consequently decreases stress of
CGs, delays institutionalization of CRs, and increases health related quality of life (HRQOL)
of CRs and CGs. Thus, this study will evaluate the effect of the standard RDAD among lesbian,
gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) CRs with AD/RD and their CGs, and this study will test
a personalized intervention tailored to better respond to distinct risks experienced by CGs
and LGBT CRs with AD/RD, addressing unique sexual/gender minority CG risk factors (e.g.,
identity management, stigma-related adverse or traumatic life events, and lack of social
support).