Being gay, bisexual or trans linked to a higher risk of dementia, say top psychologists READ MORE: Gay men who 'sound gay' are more likely to face discrimination By Luke Andrews Senior Health Reporter For Dailymail.Com Published: 21:01, 25 September 2024 | Updated: 21:01, 25 September 2024 e-mail View comments LGBTQ+ people are at a higher risk of dementia and depression than their straight peers, a study suggests. Researchers at the Yale School of Medicine found that the group had a 15 percent higher risk of brain health problems overall in later life.
This included a 14 percent higher risk of being diagnosed with dementia, and a 27 percent higher risk of depression in later life. The paper blamed a 'variety of contributions', from psychosocial factors like stress, to physical damage from violence and gender-affirming hormones and difficulties accessing healthcare. Studies suggest that stress can trigger neuroinflammation and raise the risk of protein clumps forming in the brain, a precursor to conditions like dementia.
It also mentioned that people in the group were more likely to smoke or abuse substances than their straight peers, which can raise the risk of the conditions. The above graph shows the % increaesd risk for dementia and depression in later life among LGBTQ+ adults compared to their straight peers Depression in late adulthood is also often thought to be a precursor for dementia, with many studies saying it may be a reaction to cognitive deficits. Dr Shufan Huo.