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Conference presentation
Examining differences between spouse and non-spouse caregivers of individuals with dementia
19th Annual Southeastern Regional Student Mentoring Conference in Gerontology and Geriatrics, Tybee Island, GA
2008
Abstract
It has been demonstrated that caregivers (CG) of persons with Alzheimer's disease or related disorders often have difficulties associated with the caregiving role, including controlling problematic behavior, feeling burdened, utilizing social support, and employing caregiver skills. Many non-spouse caregivers experience additional challenges because they also have caregiving responsibilities for their own children and are employed. Previous literature has suggested that the caregiving experience is qualitatively and quantitatively different depending on the relationship of the CG to the care recipient (CR).
The current study examines the association between caregiver relationship (spouse or non-spouse) and the functioning of the CR and CG. Secondary data from 640 caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease drawn from the NIA/NINR-funded Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer's Caregiver Health II (REACH II) study were used in this analysis; statistical comparisons were made using an independent samples t tests. Compared to spousal caregivers, non-spouse CGs reported significantly more CG burden, more negative social interactions, and more stress when engaging in caregiving. In addition, non-spouse CGs were caring for CRs who were significantly more cognitively impaired, required more assistance with ADLJIADLs, and had a higher frequency of memory and behavior problems than spouse CGs. Finally, spouses reported that they were giving better care to their CR than non-spouses. Additional analyses revealed that relationship differences in burden remained after controlling for demographic variables, CR cognitive impairment, frequency of memory and behavior problems, and ADLJIADL.
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- Title
- Examining differences between spouse and non-spouse caregivers of individuals with dementia
- Publication Details
- 19th Annual Southeastern Regional Student Mentoring Conference in Gerontology and Geriatrics, Tybee Island, GA
- Resource Type
- Conference presentation
- Copyright
- Permission granted to the University of West Florida Libraries to digitize and/or display this information for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires the permission of the copyright holder.
- Identifiers
- 99380090619106600
- Academic Unit
- Usha Kundu, MD College of Health; Former Faculty
- Language
- English