An LGBTQIPA2+ Series on Grief, Loss, & Mental Health

By Kelly Hutton, LMFT

I’m excited to share a FREE educational resource about Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and aging in our LGBTQIPA2+ communities! On the second Wednesday every month at 4-5pm PST via Zoom, the Alzheimer’s Association of Northern California hosts live webinars about Alzheimer’s Disease, brain health, and the unique experiences in our queer and trans communities.  To be very clear, I am not a doctor and this information is not a substitute for medical advice from a medical doctor. Please contact your medical provider for more information on Alzheimer’s Disease as it pertains to your own health. That said, these presentations emphasize the importance of culturally-responsive LGBTQIPA2+ focused medical care for brain health and neurocognitive decline. I hope you benefit from the information.

Thus far, I’ve attended two presentations. The first was on HIV and Brain Health, presented by UC San Francisco neurologist and researcher, Joanna Hellmuth, MD, MHS. The second webinar, “What is Alzheimer’s Disease?”, was an informational and personal testimony by Gene Girimonte. He is a volunteer community educator with the Northern California Alzheimer’s Association.

From the HIV and Brain Health webinar, I learned some of the differences between normal cognitive aging and HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorder (HAND). This included research about what can an be done to minimize risks, treat, and manage both cognitive disorders. Dr. Hellmuth explained HAND is a disorder associated with persistent inflammation caused by the virus. The main symptoms of HAND are difficulty with concentration, thinking, and memory changes. HAND affects one's concentration and information retrieval speed from the brain. This is different from Alzheimer’s Disease because Alzheimer’s Disease malfunctions the brain’s ability to record information in the first place. Dr. Hellmuth's research found that HIV antiviral medications help to reduce inflammation in the blood and brain, but the level of inflammation remains higher than in people who don’t have HIV. 

“What is Alzheimer’s Disease?” was a helpful review of the differentiations between dementia, normal cognitive decline in aging, and Alzheimer’s Disease. Gene’s provided testimony of his lived experience carepartnering his late husband, who had Alzheimer’s Disease. I also appreciated his recognition of trans elders. He knowledged how trans folks have had to educate their providers. He charged cisgender advocates to do better by educating ourselves and other providers about gender-affirming brain health.

As you may already know, I specialize in grief, loss, and trauma recovery. I really enjoy working with clients who have Alzheimer's Disease, their carepartners, loved ones, and especially in palliative and hospice care. I also have lived experience in my own family caring for an elder in cognitive decline.  Thus, I’m personally and professionally knowledgeable of the stages, symptoms, and how this degenerative brain disease affects a patient and all who love them. And I still have a lot to learn!  

For these reasons, I’m very glad I’ve attended these presentations. I look forward to the next ones on Brain Health 101 (August 9), Legal and Financial Planning for the Future (September 13), and Compassionate Caregiving (October 11 - National Coming Out Day). What an excellent resource for our queer and trans families, individuals, clergy, medical professionals, social justice advocates for elders, and mental health professionals!  I encourage you to attend, empower yourself, and please spread the word.

To register, contact Sandra Green sagreen@alz.org, call direct: 408.372.9919, or www.tinyurl.com/alzthrivewithpride  See the flyer for more information.

Also, Waves Psych can help if you are looking for a therapist who specializes in working with clients with neurocognitive disorders and cognitive decline. 

The best way to schedule your free video consultation with me is at https://doctorabi.clientsecure.me/ You may also call/text 619-403-5578 or email office@wavespsych.com .

Thank you!