Breaking the silence: understanding the unique burden on informal Black male dementia caregivers.

Abstract

As the rates of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and AD and related dementias (ADRD) in the United States steadily rise, so too does the demand for informal caregiving. Research on AD/ADRD caregiving highlights the associated risk of adverse health outcomes and lower quality of life; however, there is a lack of discussion about Black male dementia caregivers, who already face unique health challenges. Through an intersectionality lens, this perspective will raise awareness of the multifaceted burden of Black male informal AD/ADRD caregiving, along with strategies to better support this underserved community. HIGHLIGHTS: The non-Hispanic Black population in the United States is disproportionately affected by Alzheimer's disease (AD) and AD and related dementias (ADRD), which will increase the demand for caregiving. Most dementia informal caregiving research focuses on non-Hispanic White females, with little emphasis on Black men, who represent an at-risk population. By adopting an intersectional approach, clinicians, researchers, and policymakers can better understand and improve the health of informal Black male AD/ADRD caregivers. The increasing prevalence of AD and ADRD in the US Black community can create an added strain on Black male informal caregivers. Examining the unique AD/ADRD caregiving needs of Black men can inform future research to improve the health of similar at-risk communities.