Racial and Ethnic Differences in Caregiving Networks and Unmet Care Needs Among People Living With Cognitive Impairment

Abstract

Unmet needs are common among people living with cognitive impairment (PLwCI) and are linked to adverse outcomes. While caregiving networks (CGNs) are crucial in supporting care, little is known regarding how CGNs relate to unmet needs for PLwCI across racial and ethnic groups. Using data from the 2023 National Health and Aging Trends Study, we adapted the latent profiles of CGN sizes and composition among Black, Latinx, and White PLwCI and assessed their associations with unmet care needs. Zero-inflated negative binomial models showed that White PLwCI in “Spousal CGNs” had more unmet needs than those in “Spouse and other CGNs.” Black PLwCI who relied on “Children and Others CGNs” experienced fewer unmet needs. Among Latinx CGNs, “Friends and others CGNs” CGNs showed fewer unmet needs. These findings underscore the importance of addressing within-group variation in CGNs to inform equitable, culturally responsive caregiving policies.

Keywords

caregiving network unmet care needs dementia cognitive impairment race and ethnicity

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