title: Decisions, Decisions.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Human Development, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
authors.forename: Emma C
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Potter
authors.affiliation: 2 Center for Gerontology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA.|3 Institute for Society, Culture, and Environment, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
authors.forename: Karen A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Roberto
authors.affiliation: 2 Center for Gerontology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
authors.forename: Nancy
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Brossoie
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Human Development, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA.|2 Center for Gerontology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
authors.forename: Rosemary
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Blieszner
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000208:ethnology / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D060825:Cognitive Dysfunction / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology; D003657:Decision Making; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012944:Social Support
keywords: African American caregivers; life course; mild cognitive impairment; qualitative research; social support