— Partnership aims to reach LGBTQ+ individuals and families with dementia information and support resources —

CHICAGO, June 13, 2024 — The Alzheimer’s Association and the Open and Affirming Coalition (ONA) of the United Church of Christ recently announced a new partnership aimed at developing a national Alzheimer’s and dementia faith-based initiative to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and all other dementia among LGBTQ+ communities in partnership with leaders of faith.

In conjunction with the new partnership, the Alzheimer’s Association and ONA will host a public-facing event that highlights and explains ONA’s mission and best practices for partnering with national religious and religiously affiliated organizations. The groups will work together to develop a community-based framework that emphasizes inclusion. A universal clergy guide and faith-based outreach tools will be developed to reach more diverse populations via the faith-based community with disease-related information and Alzheimer’s Association resources.

“The Alzheimer’s Association is excited to be working with the Open and Affirming Coalition of the United Church of Christ,” said Dr. Carl V. Hill, chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer, Alzheimer’s Association. “The Coalition is a respected voice and champion for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families in churches and communities across the country. This new partnership will enable us to reach more LGBTQ+ individuals affected by Alzheimer’s and all other dementia with disease information and our care and support resources.”

LGBTQ+ individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia face unique disease-related challenges, including:
 

• 40% report their support networks have become smaller.
• 34% live alone.
• 40% say their health providers do not know their sexual orientation and up to 30% experience lower rates of access to care.

In addition, LGBTQ+ individuals have greater health disparities, many of which are risk factors for dementia, including: depression, obesity, alcohol and tobacco, lower rates of preventive screenings, cardiovascular disease and HIV/AIDS.

It is estimated that more than 7% of LGBTQ+ individuals are living with dementia and those numbers could be rising. Age is the greatest risk factor for Alzheimer’s and other dementia and an estimated 2.7 million LGBTQ+ people are over the age of 50.

“We are thrilled to foster this partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association,” said Rev. Dr. Katrina Roseboro-Marsh, executive director, the Open and Affirming Coalition of the United Church of Christ. “For too long, LGBTQIAN2S+ individuals facing Alzheimer’s and dementia haven’t had the support they deserve. This collaboration allows us to bridge that gap and ensure our communities receive culturally competent care. Together, we can walk alongside not only those with Alzheimer’s and all other dementia, but also their loved ones, fostering understanding and ensuring that all people feel safe, respected, and loved on this journey.”

Since 1972, ONA has advocated that LGBTQ+ individuals and their families deserve welcome and safety in their churches and communities. ONA currently serves 1,880 congregations and organizations combined, and the number is growing. These entities have gone through ONA’s certification process to become an approved Open and Affirming Safe Space and Safe Space of Worship for LGBTQIAN2S+ individuals and their families.
 

About the Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia®. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.

About the Open and Affirming Coalition of the United Church of Christ 

The Open and Affirming Coalition advocates for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community in the United Church of Christ and beyond, and equips UCC congregations to become effective witnesses to Christ’s extravagant welcome.