Caregiver cognitive status and potentially harmful caregiver behavior

Abstract

The association between caregiver cognitive status and potentially harmful caregiver behavior was assessed in a sample of 180 caregiver-care recipient dyads. Compromised cognitive status was identified in 39% of these informal caregivers. Beyond variance explained by demographic factors, amount of care provided, care recipient cognitive status, and caregiver depressed affect, care recipients reported more frequently being subjected to potentially harmful caregiver behavior when their caregivers evidenced compromised cognitive status. While preliminary, critical areas of caregiver cognition appeared to be deficits in language comprehension and memory. Results indicate that compromised cognitive status is common among informal caregivers of impaired elders and that this may adversely influence the quality of care they provide.

Stress-Related Cognitive Dysfunction in Dementia Caregivers

“…Whatever the mechanism, clinicians need to be aware of possible cognitive changes among caregivers since it may impact their ability to provide optimal care. 7 This potential deleterious effect of caregiving highlights the pressing need for proper support and respite services to help caregivers cope with and reduce stress.…”

A Social Capital Approach to the Prevention of Elder Mistreatment

“…The results from the Miller et al (2006) study mentioned above suggest a link between the cognitive status of the caregiver and the potential for that caregiver to mistreat the elder in care. Those in the situation of having to care for an elderly family member are more exposed to, and are consequently more prone to, the effects of the various external stressors associated with their duties as caregivers.…”

“…She was known to suffer from psychological problems (Sauvageau & Racette, 2006). The association between the cognitive status of the caregiver and the potential for caregivers to engage in harmful behavior was examined by Miller et al (2006). Self-reports from 180 caregiver-care recipient dyads assessed cognitive status on various dimensions (e.g., orientation, attention, language comprehension, memory, calculations) as well as care recipient reports of caregivers' potentially harmful behavior (indicators of both psychological and physical mistreatment).…”

Intimate Partner Abuse of Older Men: Considerations for the Assessment of Risk

“…The relationship between mental illness and cognitive impairments and the perpetration of aggressive and violent behavior among older adults is well documented (e.g., Miller et al, 2006). Dementia and depression are two commonly cited disorders of particular importance to the older population, primarily because of their association with Alzheimer's disease, but also as psychiatric illnesses in and of themselves.…”