Stigma in the Context of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) Within Rural and Underserved Populations

Chair(s)

• ER

  Elizabeth Rhodus, PhD

  Assistant Professor
  Sanders-Brown Center on Aging
  University of Kentucky
  Lexington, Kentucky, United States

Co-Chair(s)

• 

  Steffi Kim, PhD

  Senior Research Associate
  Medical School
  University of Minnesota
  Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States

Discussant(s)

• 

  Fayron Epps, PhD, RN, FGSA, FAAN

  Assistant Professor
  Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing
  Emory University
  Fairburn, Georgia, United States

Individual Symposium Abstract First Author(s)

• ER

  Elizabeth Rhodus, PhD

  Assistant Professor
  Sanders-Brown Center on Aging
  University of Kentucky
  Lexington, Kentucky, United States
• 

  Steffi Kim, PhD

  Senior Research Associate
  Medical School
  University of Minnesota
  Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
• SS

  Steven Sabat, PhD

  Professor Emeritus of Psychology
  Psychology
  Georgetown University
  Washington, District of Columbia, United States
• 

  Maria Crouch, PhD

  Postdoctoral Fellow
  Psychiatry
  Yale School of Medicine
  New Haven, Connecticut, United States

Stigma in the context of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) is associated with a higher prevalence of depression, anxiety, social isolation, and poorer caregiver health. This is particularly true for underserved and rural communities; however, little is known about the sources of stigma and implications of stigma within these communities. This symposium explores sources of stigma along with implications of stigma in rural and/or underserved communities and introduces novel interventional considerations for addressing stigma. The first presentation by Rhodus and colleagues highlights implications of stigma in rural Appalachian communities as it relates to ADRD healthcare service and research participation. Next, Sabat and colleagues present findings of a recent intervention program, “Respite for All,” specifically, implications of this program for caregivers’ perception of stigma, as well as the person living with ADRD. This symposium also includes presentations focused on Alaska Native (AN) experiences with stigma and ADRD. Kim discusses findings of a community-based participatory research project using mixed-method to explore structural stigma in rural communities and needed initiatives for familial care partners. To conclude the program, Crouch and Rosich present results of a grounded theory, exploratory study aimed to understand the cultural practices and values that compose AN Elder beliefs and perceptions of ADRD, including stigmas. This symposium will conclude with a discussion on how researchers may begin to integrate approaches to address stigma in rural and underserved communities in order to enhance care utilization and quality of life for older adults caring for and living with ADRD.

Presentations:

• 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM ET

  Stifled Utilization of Dementia-Related Healthcare Services Due to Stigma in Rural Appalachia
  

  Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Elizabeth Rhodus, PhD – University of Kentucky
• 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM ET

  Sources of Stigma and Their Impact on Alaska Native ADRD Caregivers' Wellbeing
  

  Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Steffi M. Kim, PhD – University of Minnesota
• 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM ET

  The Respite for All Program Decreases Stigma and Caregivers' Anxiety While Increasing Their Confidence
  

  Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Steven R. Sabat, PhD – Georgetown University
• 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM ET

  Toward Equitable and Destigmatizing Dementia: Alaska Native Populations and Culturally Based Interventions
  

  Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Maria C. Crouch, PhD – Yale School of Medicine