The Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Subjective Cognitive Decline Based on Sexual Orientation

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objectives Research indicates adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) were associated with subjective cognitive decline (SCD), with higher ACEs reported by sexual minoritized individuals (i.e. lesbian, gay, and bisexual; LGB). This study aimed to explore the relationships between ACEs and SCD based on sexual orientation in middle-aged and older adults. Methods The study included 76,592 participants from the 2019–2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS). Multivariate logistic regressions analyzed ACEs status, score, and type associations with SCD. Results 2.18% of the participants identified as sexual minoritized individuals. More sexual minoritized individuals reported SCD compared to heterosexual individuals (10.70% for heterosexuals; 17.27% for sexual minoritized individuals). Positive association between SCD and ACEs status (OR = 2.18, 95%CI: 1.09–4.40) was identified among sexual minoritized individuals. Conclusions The association between ACEs and SCD was strong in both heterosexual and sexual minoritized populations. Given the higher experience of ACEs among sexual minoritized adults, the subsequent frequency of SCD among these adults also may be higher. Clinical implications Sexual minoritized older adults may have a history of numerous ACEs, which could contribute to a greater burden of SCD. Clinicians and other stakeholders may wish to consider relationships between ACEs and SCD based on sexual orientation.