Divergent patterns of cognitive deficits and structural brain alterations between older adults in mixed-sex and same-sex relationships.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Sexual minority (SM) older adults experience mental health disparities. Psychiatric disorders and neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) are risk factors for cognitive decline. Although older people in same-sex (SSR) compared to mixed-sex relationships (MSR) perform more poorly on cognitive screening tests, prior studies found no differences in rates of dementia diagnosis or neuropsychological profiles. We sought to explore the role of NPS on neurocognitive outcomes for SM populations. We compared cognitive performance and structural brain parameters of older adults in SSR and MSR.

Methods

Data were originally collected at Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers (ADRCs). Inclusion criteria were: age of 55+ years, a study partner identified as a spouse/partner, and availabil

SUBMITTER: Manca R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9479099 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature