Meaning and measurement of caregiver outcomes

Abstract

The focus of dementia intervention research has broadened from a focus purely on the person with dementia to include the caregiver as well. Psychological, physical, social and health care utilization costs are well documented and effective caregiver interventions reported. Caregivers are crucial to many aspects of the path of dementia traveled by affected persons. They influence outcome and they are a secondary target in drug trials. Measurement of caregiver outcomes should be targeted to likely outcome, and key mediating variables should be measured too. A list of potential instruments and recommendations is provided.

Influence of personality on caregiver's burden, depression and distress related to the BPSD

“…Since the personality is related to coping in the caregiver situation and coping strategies are modifiable (Hooker et al, 1994), the workup of coping strategies in order to reach more adaptative and successful approaches is another example where interventions should consider information about personality characteristics. To be sure, assessment of caregivers remains a challenging area, both in research and clinical practice (Brodaty, 2007).…”

The Zarit Burden Interview in Portugal: Validity and Recommendations in Dementia and Palliative Care

“…Construct and concurrent validity were documented, [1][2][3] including reports of positive correlations with time devoted to care and with depressive symptoms. 2,6,7 Different factorstructures were proposed, 5,8 the majority with 2 or 3 factors/ domains.…”

“…2,6,7 Different factorstructures were proposed, 5,8 the majority with 2 or 3 factors/ domains. Notwithstanding, most studies rely on total scores.…”

“…4 Internal consistency is invariably good, the same applying to test-retest and interrater reliability -when the ZBI is used as an interview. [1][2][3] The ZBI was translated and validated in many countries, including Brazil and Spain. In Portugal, researchers may be puzzled by the multiplicity of translations ( Table 1).…”

“…The sum of individual item-scores has a range from 0 to 88 (total score). Different scorings were used (1-5 at item-level, and 22-110 in totals) 5 but, regardless of the option, higher scores mean higher burden.Construct and concurrent validity were documented, [1][2][3] including reports of positive correlations with time devoted to care and with depressive symptoms. 2,6,7 Different factorstructures were proposed, 5,8 the majority with 2 or 3 factors/ domains.…”