Latinx with Type 2 Diabetes: Perceptions of Cognitive Health

Cognitive complaints indicate risk for dementia, but few studies have examined the perspective of cognitive complaints in Latinx with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). This study explored the meaning of cognitive health from the perspective of Latinx adults with T2DM to assist in detecting problems with diabetes self-management. This was an exploratory qualitative descriptive study using narrative interviews (n = 30) and content analysis. Participants' mean age was 66 years; mean time with diabetes, 8.7 years; mean A1C, 9.7%. Participants emphasized health as the absence of disease, memory issues as a cognitive compliant, use of cognitive strategies, and the negative effect of cognitive problems on self-management. An additional finding was the impact of ethnic/racial discrimination on health. This study provides insights into cognitive health for Latinxs as well as the negative impact of racism experienced in the US healthcare system and shows that cognitive health assessment and education can positively impact diabetes self-management.