Is Living with Persons with Dementia and Depression Correlated to Impacts on Caregivers? A Scoping Review

Subota, Ann; Spotswood, Neve; Roach, Maddy; Goodarzi, Zahra; Holroyd‐Leduc, Jayna

doi:10.1017/s071498082100060x

Cited by 1 publication

(1 citation statement)

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“…They occur frequently in family caregivers of people with dementia, especially when they are aware that there will be no improvement for the care recipient. These feelings affect the family caregiver's motivation and enthusiasm for life [41,42]. Moreover, if even before the death of the recipient, family caregivers show depressive symptoms, once the death occurs, the risk of complicated grief or depression is much higher [43].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Relationship between Depressive Symptoms, Caregiver Strain, and Social Support with Dementia Grief in Family Caregivers

Sánchez-Alcón,

Garrido-Fernández,

Cano-Rojas

et al. 2024

Medicina

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Background and Objectives: Dementia grief in family caregivers of people with dementia refers to grieving prior to the death of the care recipient. It is related to psychosocial risk factors that may have a negative impact on the health of these family caregivers. This study aimed to describe the relationship between depressive symptoms, caregiver strain, and social support with dementia grief in family caregivers of people with dementia. Materials and Methods: A descriptive correlational cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 250 family caregivers of people with dementia participated. Dementia grief was the main variable, and depressive symptoms, caregiver strain, and social support were assessed. Additionally, socio-demographic data were collected. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and a bivariate correlation analysis and a multiple linear regression analysis were performed for dementia grief. Results: Higher scores for dementia grief were found in women, in family caregivers of patients at advanced stages of dementia, and in family caregivers with a low level of education. High levels of depressive symptoms and caregiver strain and low levels of social support indicated greater intensity of dementia grief. Depressive symptomatology was the variable with the greatest influence on dementia grief. Caregiver strain and social support also related to dementia grief, but to a lesser extent. Conclusions: In family caregivers, depressive symptoms, caregiver strain, and social support are related to the intensity of dementia grief, with a greater influence of depressive symptoms. Moreover, being female, having a low level of education, and caring for a care recipient at an advanced stage of dementia are factors associated with increased dementia grief. Concerning study limitations, the sample was restricted, belonging to a specific region of Spain and to a Provincial Federation of associations. It is necessary to exercise caution in generalizing results due to the sociodemographic and geographical characteristics of the sample.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%