Dementia, Health, and the Black Family Caregiver: Towards a Novel Intervention

Dr. Sheria Robinson-Lane, PhD, RN, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Systems, Populations, and Leadership at the UM School of Nursing. Her program of research is focused on understanding how adaptive coping strategies are used by Black older adults and their caregivers to influence health outcomes. Currently, she and her team are working with Black family caregivers of older adults with Alzheimer’s disease and/or related dementias (ADRD) to understand their unique support needs and collaboratively develop appropriate programming. Unfortunately, Black ADRD caregivers often have mortality risk greater than other populations related to a combination of pre-existing health conditions and stress. The development and facilitation of culturally responsive, community-based health interventions that help caregivers to effectively manage their own health and successfully navigate caregiving responsibilities, can improve caregiver outcomes and the increases the likelihood of continued aging in place.