Predicting caregiver burden and depression in Alzheimer'sdisease

Abstract

Our findings add to the preexisting literature because we tested alternative models of caregiver burden using an unusually large sample size of participants and after overcoming methodological limitations of past research. Results highlight the importance of the effective management of disturbing behaviors, the provision of formal services for caregivers with highly impaired patients and no informal support, and the improvement of coping skills in burdened caregivers.

Caregiver burden in mild cognitive impairment

“…The relationship between caregiver burden and depression is complex and to some extent multidirectional (Pearlin, Mullan, Semple, & Skaff, 1990). Clyburn et al (2000) examined the nature of the association using structural equation modelling of four proposed mechanisms and found that in their study of Alzheimer's disease and caregiver stress, a model where burden mediated depression produced the best fit. Accordingly, we found that caregiver burden was highly associated with both depressive and anxiety sub-scores on the HAD Scale.…”

“…Caregiver burden in dementia is associated with factors in three domains; patient characteristics, caregiver characteristics and the caregiving context (Burns & Rabins, 2000;Clyburn, Stones, Hadjistavropoulos, & Tuokko, 2000). With regard to patient characteristics, the frequency of behavioural problems in dementia has been identified as the strongest predictor of caregiver burden, more than the functional or cognitive impairments of the patient.…”

Identifying opportunities for supporting caregivers of persons with dementia through information and communication technology

“…Difficulty leaving the house It is well documented that the demands of the caregiver role, particularly issues related to behavioural problems and functional impairment, limit opportunities for social interaction [27][28][29] . Participants often reported a sense of being 'tied to the house' due to ongoing care demands and need to maintain a consistent routine: "I've to stick with that routine and get her ready to go and collect her in the evenings.…”

Management of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms of Dementia in Clinical Settings: Recommendations from a Multidisciplinary Expert Panel

“…NPS, as opposed to core cognitive symptoms, tend to create the most difficulties for patients, caregivers and providers, and commonly lead to earlier nursing home placement [4, 5], excess morbidity, mortality, hospital stays [6], caregiver stress and depression, and reduced caregiver employment income [7, 8]. These symptoms pose threats to caregivers’ own health and quality of life [9].…”