A SOCIAL CONNECTION HEALTH INTERVENTION FOR ISOLATED LATINX OLDER ADULTS AT RISK OF DEMENTIA

Abstract COVID-19 exacerbated the “epidemic of loneliness.” Although loneliness and social isolation are determinants health Alzheimer’s dementia (AD), culturally linguistically responsive connection interventions tailored to Spanish-Speaking community-dwelling immigrant older adults at higher risk AD lacking. UCLA’s Hispanic Neuropsychiatric Center Excellence (HNCE) collaborated with Los Angeles County Department Mental Health (LACDMH) develop implement a community-partnered group intervention via Telehealth. All clients homebound due physical, psychiatric, and/or medical conditions. The main objective was reduce feelings by combining brain education skill-based exercises promoting self-efficacy, trust, belonging, resilience effectively communicating their needs in psychologically safe space. effectiveness pilot intervention, however, required multiple refinements accounting for structural-social barriers, culture, language, histories trauma country origin post-immigration United States.