Dementia can affect anyone, regardless of who they are or who they love. Yet for many LGBT+ people, living with dementia or caring for someone with the condition can bring unique challenges that aren’t always recognised or understood.
By learning more about these experiences, we can help create more inclusive, welcoming and person-centred support for everyone affected by dementia.
Why LGBT+ experiences matter
Today’s older LGBT+ community has lived through significant social change. Many people grew up at a time when same-sex relationships were criminalised, gender diversity was misunderstood, and discrimination was commonplace.
These experiences can have a lasting impact. Some people may have spent years hiding their identity or worrying about rejection, while others may have experienced prejudice from healthcare or public services. As a result, some LGBT+ people living with dementia may be less likely to trust support services or feel comfortable asking for help.
It’s also important to recognise that everyone’s story is different. Some people have strong family support, while others rely on partners, close friends or their chosen family as their main source of care.
Dementia, memory and identity
Dementia can affect memory, communication and a person’s sense of self. For LGBT+ people, changes in memory may sometimes bring back experiences from earlier stages of life.
Someone may revisit memories from a time when it wasn’t safe to be open about their sexuality or gender identity. Feelings of fear, secrecy or anxiety that had long been left behind may re-emerge. This can be confusing and distressing for both the person living with dementia and those who care about them.
Partners and carers may also find themselves needing to repeatedly explain their relationship or advocate for their loved one’s identity, particularly if assumptions are made by others.
There is no single LGBT+ experience of dementia. Every individual will respond differently, and their history, relationships and personality all play a part in shaping that journey.
Creating inclusive dementia support
Small changes can make a significant difference to how safe and supported someone feels.
Inclusive dementia care means:
- Avoiding assumptions about someone’s gender, sexuality or family relationships.
- Recognising partners and chosen family members as important sources of support.
- Respecting the language people use to describe themselves.
- Giving people the opportunity to share information about their identity without pressure or judgement.
- Creating environments where everyone feels welcome, valued and respected.
When people feel accepted for who they are, they’re often more confident accessing support and building relationships with professionals and services.
The importance of community
No one should face dementia alone. Connecting with others who understand your experiences can reduce feelings of isolation and provide practical advice, reassurance and friendship.
Peer support groups, community organisations and dementia charities all play an important role in helping people living with dementia and carers feel seen, heard and supported.
Whether you’re living with dementia yourself, supporting a partner, friend or family member, or simply want to understand more, there are organisations offering specialist advice and inclusive support.
Where to find support
If you would like to learn more or access support, the following organisations offer information and services for LGBT+ people affected by dementia:
- Rainbow Communities
- LGBT Foundation
- LGBT HERO
- Alzheimer’s Society LGBT+ dementia resources
- Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard
Every person living with dementia deserves to feel respected, understood and included. By recognising the diverse experiences of LGBT+ communities, we can help ensure that dementia support reflects the lives, identities and relationships of everyone it serves.
Unpacking Dementia: LGBT+ Experiences of Dementia
Watch our live Unpacking Dementia session:
