1
|
Kotwal AA, Cenzer I, Hunt LJ, Ankuda C, Torres JM, Smith AK, Aldridge M, Harrison KL. Psychosocial distress among spouses of persons with dementia before and after their partner's death. J Am Geriatr Soc 2024; 72:2336-2346. [PMID: 38822746 PMCID: PMC11323186 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.19030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spouses of persons living with dementia may face heightened psychosocial distress in the years immediately before and after their partner's death. We compared the psychosocial needs of spouses of partners with dementia with spouses of partners with non-impaired cognition nearing and after the end of life, focusing on loneliness, depression, life satisfaction, and social isolation. METHODS We used nationally representative Health and Retirement Study married couples data (2006-2018), restricting to spouses 50+ years old. We included 2098 spouses with data on loneliness and depressive symptoms 2 years before and after the partner's death. We additionally examined a subset of spouses (N = 1113) with available data on life satisfaction and social isolation 2 years before their partner's death. Cognitive status of partners was classified as non-impaired cognition, cognitive impairment not dementia (cognitive impairment), and dementia. We used multivariable logistic regression to determine: 1) the change in loneliness and depression for spouses pre- and post-partner's death, and 2) life satisfaction and social isolation 2 years before the partner's death. RESULTS Spouses were on average 73 years old (SD: 10), 66% women, 7% Black, 7% Hispanic non-White, 24% married to persons with cognitive impairment, and 19% married to partners with dementia. Before their partner's death, spouses married to partners with dementia experienced more loneliness (non-impaired cognition: 8%, cognitive impairment: 16%, dementia: 21%, p-value = 0.002) and depressive symptoms (non-impaired cognition: 20%, cognitive impairment: 27%, dementia: 31%, p-value < 0.001), and after death a similar prevalence of loneliness and depression across cognitive status. Before their partner's death, spouses of partners with dementia reported less life satisfaction (non-impaired cognition: 74%, cognitive impairment: 68%; dementia: 64%, p-value = 0.02) but were not more socially isolated. CONCLUSION Results emphasize a need for clinical and policy approaches to expand support for the psychosocial needs of spouses of partners with dementia in the years before their partner's death rather than only bereavement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashwin A Kotwal
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- Geriatrics, Palliative, and Extended Care Service Line, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Irena Cenzer
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Lauren J Hunt
- Department of Physiological Nursing, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Claire Ankuda
- Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jacqueline M Torres
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Alexander K Smith
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- Geriatrics, Palliative, and Extended Care Service Line, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Melissa Aldridge
- Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Krista L Harrison
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Malhotra C, Chaudhry I, Shah SU. Caregivers' Burden and Anticipatory Grief Increases Acute Health Care Use in Older Adults with Severe Dementia. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2024; 25:104981. [PMID: 38599241 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2024.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the bidirectional association of caregivers' burden and anticipatory grief with acute health care use (inpatient or emergency admission) among older adults with severe dementia. DESIGN Prospective cohort. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS A total of 215 family caregivers of older adults with severe dementia in Singapore were surveyed every 4 months for 3 years (up to 10 surveys). We measured caregiver burden using the Caregiver Reaction Assessment scale and anticipatory grief using the Marwit Meuser Caregiver Grief Inventory-Short Form. METHODS Using separate multivariable mixed-effects logistic regressions, controlling for relevant confounders, we assessed the association of caregiver burden and anticipatory grief (independent variables measured at time t) with older adults' acute health care use in the next 4 months (outcome measured at time t + 1). We also performed separate multivariable mixed-effects linear regressions to assess the association of older adults' acute health care use in the past 4 months (independent variable measured at time t) with caregiver burden and anticipatory grief (outcomes measured at time t). RESULTS At baseline, 33% of the older adults had an inpatient or emergency admission in the past 4 months. Regression results showed that higher caregiver burden [odds ratio (OR), 1.58; 95% CI, 1.15-2.16] and anticipatory grief (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.00-1.04) significantly increased the likelihood of older adults experiencing acute health care use in the next 4 months. However, older adults' acute health care use in the past 4 months did not significantly change their caregivers' burden or anticipatory grief. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Higher caregiver burden and anticipatory grief increase the likelihood of older adults having acute health care use. Addressing caregivers' well-being has implications for reducing acute health care use in older adults and the economic burden of severe dementia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chetna Malhotra
- Lien Centre for Palliative Care, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore; Program in Health Services and Systems Research, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.
| | - Isha Chaudhry
- Lien Centre for Palliative Care, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Brito L, Bernardo AC, Leite Â, Pereira MG. Portuguese Caregivers of Persons With Alzheimer's Disease in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study of the Grieving Process. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2024:302228241246417. [PMID: 38697016 DOI: 10.1177/00302228241246417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
This study addresses the experiences of informal caregivers caring for elderly family members with Alzheimer's disease (AD) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study includes a sample of eight informal caregivers who were evaluated through a semi-structured interview six months after the death of a loved one they cared for. A thematic content analysis was applied to the interviews and yielded two higher-order domains: (1) Experiencing the AD and the death of a family member and (2) The grieving process during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results provide valuable insights into family caregivers' experiences regarding the profound emotional impact of caregiving and grief during the COVID-19 pandemic. Caregivers maintain their identity even after loss, underscoring the enduring impact of caregiving. The identity as a caregiver impacted coping and grief responses, highlighting the need for tailored interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Brito
- Psychology Research Centre, School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Ana Cristina Bernardo
- Psychology Research Centre, School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Ângela Leite
- Centre for Philosophical and Humanistic Studies, Portuguese Catholic University, Braga, Portugal
| | - M Graça Pereira
- Psychology Research Centre, School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ng YH, Jiao K, Suen MHP, Wang J, Chow AYM. The role of the social environment on dementia caregivers' pre-death grief: A mixed- methods systematic review. DEATH STUDIES 2024:1-20. [PMID: 38497324 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2024.2329755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
This systematic review examined the role of social environment in pre-death grief experiences of dementia caregivers. Ninety-three Chinese and English articles were included from a comprehensive search of empirical studies using nine databases. Six social environment domains were generated: the person with dementia, dyadic relationship, family members and the wider community, health and social care services, place of care, and social-cultural contexts. A complex interplay between caregivers and their social environments that aggravate and attenuate pre-death grief experiences is evident. Research has focused mainly on the effects of people with dementia and dyadic relationships and has paid modest attention to the effects of family, relatives, and health and social care services. Caregivers' experiences with their friends, fellow caregivers, the wider community, and social-cultural norms are influential but understudied. Future research could adopt a systems thinking approach with sociological perspectives to generate a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of pre-death grief experiences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong Hao Ng
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Keyuan Jiao
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Margaret H P Suen
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Amy Y M Chow
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sánchez-Alcón M, Sosa-Cordobés E, Garrido-Fernández A, Sánchez-Ramos JL, Ramos-Pichardo JD. Psychometric properties of a Spanish version of the MM-CGI-SF in caregivers of people with dementia. J Am Geriatr Soc 2024; 72:201-208. [PMID: 37800646 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.18623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Caregivers of people with dementia may experience characteristic grief linked to present and anticipated losses before the physical death of the care recipient occurs, which is related to physical and mental health problems. The Marwit-Meuser Caregiver Inventory-Short Form (MM-CGI-SF) is an instrument that assesses this type of grief. Since there are no studies on an adaptation of the MM-CGI-SF to the Spanish population, the aim of the study was to evaluate its psychometric properties in a sample of caregivers of dementia patients. METHODS A cross-sectional study was carried out. The tool was translated and adapted into Spanish, which was administered to 250 caregivers of people with dementia in the province of Huelva, together with other related instruments. Descriptive statistics and internal consistency reliability were calculated using Cronbach's alpha, for the total questionnaire and for each subscale. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed and the Spanish version of the MM-CGI-SF was correlated with the rest of the variables by calculating Spearman's correlation coefficient. RESULTS 80.4% of the participants were female and had high levels of caregiver grief (x ¯ = 64.62, SD = 14.86). Cronbach's alpha for the general questionnaire was 0.927 and between 0.822-0.854 for its subscales. The fit values of the CFA were: x2 = 202.033, degrees of freedom = 121, x2 /df = 1.670, TLI = 0.954, CFI = 0.963, SRMR = 0.047, RMSEA = 0.052; and all the correlations were statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS The Spanish version of the MM-CGI-SF shows adequate psychometric properties. Thanks to this instrument, health professionals may measure caregiver grief, get closer to the reality of dementia care, and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions to manage this grief.
Collapse
|
6
|
Bermejo Gómez I, Gallego-Alberto L, Losada Baltar A, Mérida Herrera L, García Batalloso I, Márquez-González M. [Anticipatory grief in family caregivers of persons with dementia. Psychosocial correlates and impact on caregiver's health: A literature review]. Rev Esp Geriatr Gerontol 2023; 58:101374. [PMID: 37246011 DOI: 10.1016/j.regg.2023.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Taking care of a relative with dementia may be linked to negative consequences for the caregiver. One of the processes that can be experienced is anticipatory grief, that is defined as the feelings of pain and loss that appear in the caregiver before the death of the person cared for. OBJECTIVES The review aimed to conceptualize anticipatory grief in this population, to study the related psychosocial variables, and to know the repercussions for the health of the caregiver. METHOD A systematic search was made under the directives of PRISMA statement in the ProQuest, PubMed, Web of Science (WOS), and Scopus databases, including studies published in the last 10 years (2013-2023). RESULTS A total of 160 articles were obtained, 15 being finally selected. It is observed that anticipatory grief is defined as an ambiguous process since it appeared before the death of the sick family member. Being a female caregiver, spouse of a family member with dementia, having a closer relationship with him and/or having an important responsibility in care, are associated with a greater chance of experiencing anticipatory grief. In relation to the person cared for, if he or she is in a severe phase of the disease, is younger, and/or presents problematic behaviours, there is also greater anticipatory grief in the family caregiver. Anticipatory grief has a significant impact on caregivers' physical, psychological, and social health, being associated with greater burden, depressive symptomatology, and social isolation. CONCLUSIONS Anticipatory grief turns out to be a relevant concept in the context of dementia, being necessary to include it in intervention programs for this population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Bermejo Gómez
- Departamento de Psicología Biológica y de la Salud, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, España.
| | - Laura Gallego-Alberto
- Departamento de Psicología Biológica y de la Salud, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, España
| | - Andrés Losada Baltar
- Departamento de Psicología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, España
| | - Laura Mérida Herrera
- Departamento de Psicología Biológica y de la Salud, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, España
| | - Inés García Batalloso
- Departamento de Psicología Biológica y de la Salud, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, España
| | - María Márquez-González
- Departamento de Psicología Biológica y de la Salud, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, España
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Starr LT, Washington KT, McPhillips MV, Pitzer K, Demiris G, Oliver DP. "It was terrible, I didn't sleep for two years": A mixed methods exploration of sleep and its effects among family caregivers of in-home hospice patients at end-of-life. Palliat Med 2022; 36:1504-1521. [PMID: 36151698 PMCID: PMC10168118 DOI: 10.1177/02692163221122956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to overnight caregiving demands; exacerbation of high rates of anxiety, depression, and distress; and inadequate support, millions of family caregivers of patients receiving in-home hospice are at risk of poor sleep and negative health effects. AIM To describe sleep experiences of family caregivers of in-home hospice patients and perceptions of these experiences on caregivers' wellbeing in the context of caregiver health and live-in status. DESIGN Developed using the Symptom Management Model, this mixed methods study featured a concurrent nested design prioritizing qualitative reflexive thematic analysis. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS About 47 family caregivers of in-home hospice patients from two randomized clinical trials (NCT03712410, NCT02929108) were interviewed (United States, 2021). Anxiety (GAD-7), depression (PHQ-9), quality-of-life (QOL) (CQLI-R), and self-rated health and energy were reported prior to interviews. RESULTS Qualitative analysis revealed three themes: compromised sleep quality, factors influencing sleep, effects of sleep. 72.5% of hospice family caregivers described "fair" or "poor" sleep quality, with "interrupted" sleep and frequent night-waking due to "on-call" "vigilance" and anxiety. Negative effects included exhaustion, mental and physical health decline, and reduced caregiver function. Live-in caregivers reported higher mean depression scores (8.4 vs 4.3, p = 0.08), higher mean anxiety scores (7.7 vs 3.3, p = 0.06), and lower mean QOL scores (24.8 vs 33.6, p < 0.001) than live-out caregivers. Anxiety, depression, and QOL worsened as self-reported caregiver sleep quality decreased. Few caregivers had adequate support. CONCLUSION End-of-life family caregivers experience disrupted sleep with negative effects and inadequate support. Clinicians must assess sleep, offer sleep interventions, and provide more supports to hospice family caregivers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren T Starr
- NewCourtland Center for Transitions and Health, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Karla T Washington
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Miranda V McPhillips
- NewCourtland Center for Transitions and Health, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kyle Pitzer
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - George Demiris
- NewCourtland Center for Transitions and Health, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Debra Parker Oliver
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Goldfarb School of Nursing, Barnes Jewish College, St. Louis, MO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Paun O, Loukissa D, Chirica MG, Nowell HM. Loss and Grief in the Context of Dementia Caregiving. J Psychosoc Nurs Ment Health Serv 2022; 60:7-10. [PMID: 36179053 PMCID: PMC10550214 DOI: 10.3928/02793695-20220909-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
As a universal human reaction to perceived and/or actual loss, grief is becoming increasingly pervasive at all levels of society. Among the broad spectrum of loss experiences, those associated with dementia are perhaps of the most complex. The shift toward considering loss and grief within the context of dementia caregiving is promising. However, pre-loss grief is understudied, and interventions are lacking. Only few studies have evaluated the effectiveness of pre-loss psychosocial grief interventions for dementia caregivers. Preliminary findings from an ongoing clinical trial testing the effects of an 8-week, group-based online video intervention with dementia caregivers indicate that compared to precoronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, the experience of loss and separation was exacerbated by loss of control and severe physical contact restrictions in long-term care facilities. Finding effective grief interventions that can be translated into clinical and community-based environments is necessary to alleviate dementia caregivers' emotional distress and improve their quality of life. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 60(10), 7-10.].
Collapse
|