Date of Award

January 2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Public Health (MPH)

Department

School of Public Health

First Advisor

Joan J. Monin

Abstract

Stereotypes and stigma about Alzheimer’s Disease continue to emerge, as the number of populations affected by the disease in society is escalating. The sociocultural context sets the stage for the significant impact that Alzheimer’s has on family dynamics, especially for the adult children who provide over half of informal caregiving. Our study aims to adopt a dyadic approach, examining the interrelated experiences of adult child caregivers and their parents with ADRD. 126 dyads were included in this secondary data analysis. Measures included depressive symptoms and self-reported physical and mental health, stereotypes of aging and of person with memory loss. Results indicated that when parents with ADRD held more positive stereotypes about aging, they reported significantly better mental health and fewer depressive symptoms. Additionally, more positive stereotypes about memory loss held by parents were associated with better self-reported physical health. These findings suggest that cultivating positive perceptions of aging and memory loss could meaningfully improve quality of life for individuals with ADRD. Interventions aiming at reducing negative stereotypes perpetuated within culture may have great potential in promoting well-being among population.

Comments

This thesis is restricted to Yale network users only. It will be made publicly available on 05/07/2025

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