Jason D. Flatt, PhD, MPH is an Assistant Professor in Residence at the Institute for Health & Aging, Department of Social & Behavioral Sciences, at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), School of Nursing. Jason is a faculty member with the UCSF Healthforce and affiliate faculty with the UCSF Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies (PRL-HPS). He is also affiliated with the UCSF Center for Aging in Diverse Communities, UCSF Pepper Center, PRL-IHPS Evaluation Community of Practice, and UCSF Health Workforce Research Center on Long-Term Care. With respect to teaching and academic administration, Jason is the Assistant Program Director and teaches courses on health services and systems research for the UCSF Master of Science in Healthcare Administration and Interprofessional Leadership (MS-HAIL) program. Jason also serves on the UCSF Senate’s Committee on Academic Planning and Budget.

The focus of his research has been on aging health disparities and dementia risk, prevention, care practices and workforce. Specifically, Jason has shown that older minorities and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds are more likely to engage in adverse health behaviors (tobacco use and physical inactivity) and experience health disparities, such as higher rates of mental health problems, social isolation, cognitive impairment, and falls. He has also studied the role of risk and protective factors in dementia, including PTSD, sleep disorders, and how participating in social activities and having larger social networks are associated with a decreased risk of cognitive decline and dementia.

Jason’s current research brings these two areas of research together to better understand risk and protective factors for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) among older sexual and gender minorities (SGM). Currently, nothing is known about the epidemiology and risk of ADRD in SGM older adults without HIV/AIDS. By 2030, there will be nearly 6 million SGM older adults (aged 60 and older) in the U.S. who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI). Understanding the risk for ADRD in LGBTQI is critical to defining the burden and developing targeted preventive strategies. This work could also lead to improved screenings and treatments, and better targeting of culturally relevant interventions to prevent and reduce the burden of Alzheimer’s disease in SGM populations.

For the past ten years, Jason has leveraged his platform as a public health researcher to work as an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. To further the reach of his advocacy efforts, he partners with InterACT Advocates, Openhouse, and serves on The San Francisco Long Term Care Coordinating Council for Dementia Care Excellence Workgroup. He is also working with Openhouse in San Francisco, on the Building Health Outcomes in Using a Supportive Environment (H.O.U.S.E.) for LGBTQ Older Adults Study, which will examine the influence of affordable housing on the health of LGBTQ older adults. His work has been featured in the San Francisco Chronicle, U.S. News and World Report, The Advocate, Logo NewsNowNext, AARP News, San Francisco Bay Times, KCBS Radio, HealthCare Asia Dailey, Affaritaliani, as well as at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference.

Jason’s hope is that his current research and advocacy efforts will shape the training of care providers, creating a more inclusive aging environment for LGBTQI+ individuals.