Adverse Childhood Experiences and Subjective Cognitive Decline Among Transgender Adults

Abstract

Introduction

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with an increased risk of developing chronic health conditions, including Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) and subjective cognitive decline (SCD), self-reported confusion/memory loss, and an early clinical manifestation of ADRD. While ACEs and SCD have both been individually studied in transgender and nonbinary (TGN) adults, no study has examined the relationship between the two among this population. This study sought to establish the prevalence of ACEs and their association with SCD among TGN adults.

Design

Cross-sectional, secondary analysis of publicly available data.

Methods

2019–2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data, representing 16 US states that assessed ACEs, SCD, and self-reported gender identity were used to determine the association between ACEs and SCD among TGN adults aged 45+ (N = 206). Pearson's chi-squared/Fisher's exact tests assessed the association between ACEs (individual, categorical, sum score) and SCD. Crude and adjusted odds ratios (aORs) along with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to investigate the associations between ACEs and SCD.

Results

18% (n = 38) of TGN adults in the sample endorsed SCD, 60% (n = 120) experienced any ACE, 20% (n = 41) 1 ACE, and 18% (n = 37) experienced > 4 ACEs. Nearly 50% experienced childhood abuse (n = 94) or household dysfunction (n = 92). Among those with SCD, 34% (n = 13) reported > 4 ACEs, and 73% (n = 26) reported childhood abuse or household dysfunction (n = 27). Most ACES were associated with and increased the risk of SCD, even after adjusting for BRFSS year, age, race, education, and employment. The odds of SCD increased 40% as the number of ACEs increased (aOR = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.2–1.6, p < 0.0001). The odds of SCD were higher with childhood abuse (aOR = 4.3, 95% CI: 1.88–10.02, p < 0.01) or household dysfunction (aOR = 4.7, 95% CI: 2.00–11.07, p < 0.01).

Conclusion

ACEs increase the risk of SCD among TGN adults. Gender-affirming and trauma-informed nursing care are important, and screening and interventions for ACEs and SCD are needed to help reduce the risk of SCD and ADRD.

Clinical Relevance

Examining how adverse childhood experiences impact different aspects of health, including brain health, is important to nursing practice as it can provide clinical care strategies and identify interventions to specifically address ways to improve the health and well-being of transgender and nonbinary people.