Employment Dynamics Among Adult Children at the Onset of Parental Dementia: Variation by Sociodemographic Characteristics

Objectives: To examine the influence of sociodemographic factors on employment changes among adult children following onset of parental Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia (ADRD). Methods: We used Health and Retirement Study (2010–2018; N = 20,110) data to examine adult child (ages 50–70) changes in employment and work hours at onset of parental ADRD and potential variation by gender, age, race, ethnicity, and education. Results: Parental ADRD onset was not associated with changes in adult child employment overall, although associations differed substantially across subpopulations defined by education level. Sons with the lowest education were least likely to cease employment, while daughters with the lowest education were most likely to reduce work hours. Sons at older ages were increasingly likely to reduce work hours or end employment following parental ADRD onset. Discussion: The potential impact of parental ADRD on adult child employment is complex and should be considered in the context of sociodemographic factors.