February 7, 2023
Virtual Training for Managing Symptoms of Dementia: A Cultural Adaptation for Latino Caregivers

Maggie Ramirez, PhD, MS, MS
William L. Dowling Endowed Professor in Health Administration
Assistant Professor, Health Systems and Population Health
University of Washington School of Public Health
Abstract
STAR-Caregivers Virtual Training and Follow-up (STAR-VTF) is an evidence-based intervention that teaches family caregivers how to manage behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. The study objective was to identify what adaptations to STAR-VTF are needed to improve cultural relevance for Latino caregivers. Thirty caregivers of people living with dementia who self-identify as Hispanic/Latino and 14 providers of healthcare and social services were interviewed. Interview transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis methods. The Cultural Treatment Adaptation Framework guided data collection and analysis. Three themes were identified: (1) there was a need to increase awareness about dementia and decrease stigma; (2) semantics mattered as certain words and phrases could be stigmatizing, offensive, or culturally inappropriate; and (3) there was a need to incorporate into program materials the traditional family structure and nature of caregiving in Latino families. Adaptations were performed on STAR-VTF, including expanding content to improve understanding of dementia, revising language that was viewed as problematic, and adding cultural examples to reflect the range of family involvement in caring for people living with dementia and multigenerational living. Findings from this study advance understanding of the Latino caregiver experience and how to modify programs to better serve their needs.
Learning objectives
1. Describe how Latino populations are disproportionately impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
2. Understand an approach to the cultural adaptation of evidence-based behavioral interventions.
3. Apply strategies to improve cultural and linguistic appropriateness of dementia care for Latino populations.
2023 research seminars
January 3 |
Ian Bennett, MD, PHD Nelson Chiu, MD Nikki Gentile, MD, PhD Emily Godfrey, MD, MPH William R. Phillips, MD, MPH Sebastian Tong, MD, MPH |
Topic: NAPCRG Roundup |
February 7 |
Maggie Ramirez, PhD, MS, MS |
Topic: TBD |
March 7 |
Grace Shih, MD, MAS Christie Miles, MD Claire Thomson, MD |
Topic: TBD |
April 4 |
Dan Cherkin, PhD |
Topic: TBD |
May 2 |
Kushang Patel, PhD, MPH |
Topic: TBD |
June 6 |
Bridget Whelan, MPH |
Topic: TBD |
September 5 |
AcademyHealth Annual Research Meeting Attendees |
Topic: AcademyHealth Roundup |
October 3 |
Amber Sabbatini, MD, MPH, FACEP |
Topic: TBD |
November 7 |
Ashley Johnson, MPH |
Topic: TBD |
December 5 |
Emily Godfrey, MD, MPH |
Topic: TBD |
To join a seminar or to be added to the Research Seminar mailing list, please e-mail Azelea Sayavong: azeleagn@uw.edu.