Decisions, Decisions African American Families’ Responses to Mild Cognitive Impairment

• Published in: Research on aging Vol. 39; no. 4; pp. 476 - 500
• Main Authors: Potter, Emma C., Roberto, Karen A., Brossoie, Nancy, Blieszner, Rosemary
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01.04.2017; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: Activities of daily living; African Americans; Cognitive impairment; Consciousness; Decision making; Everyday life; Families & family life; Life events; Medical diagnosis; Qualitative research; Variability; social support; mild cognitive impairment; qualitative research; African American caregivers; life course
• ISSN: 0164-0275; 1552-7573
• DOI: 10.1177/0164027516655581

African American families’ experiences with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) have received little attention in the research literature. Guided by the life-course perspective, we analyzed qualitative interview data from members of 27 African American families including the person with MCI (PwMCI), a relative or friend who was highly involved in the PwMCI’s daily life, and if available, a relative or friend who had at least monthly contact with the PwMCI. Findings uncovered variability in families’ MCI awareness, assessment, and need for role changes; the importance of reaching out to trusted others; and honoring PwMCI’s care preferences (e.g., who should provide care). Families held varying beliefs about engaging outside support; some families insisted on keeping all care within the family while others were open to the use of external services. We showcase how diagnosis acceptance and family decision-making are at the heart of how African American families respond to MCI.