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Grant PC, Levy K, Rossi JL, Kerr CW. Role of Post-Traumatic Growth in Bereavement Outcomes: An Inquiry of Family Caregivers in Hospice. J Palliat Med 2024; 27:168-175. [PMID: 37676983 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2023.0121] [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] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Family caregivers (FCGs) encounter several physical, psychosocial, and financial struggles while caring for a dying loved one. After their loved one has passed, FCGs face new difficulties as they transition out of the caregiving role and into bereavement. Recent research has focused on the positive adaptive outcomes of bereavement. Objective: This study examined the relationship between core bereavement experiences and post-traumatic growth (PTG) for bereaved hospice FCGs. Design: This is a quantitative cross-sectional mail-in survey. Settings/Subjects: A total of 395 bereaved FCGs of patients who died while under the care of a comprehensive hospice program were surveyed. Measurements: Demographics were collected. Bereavement experiences were assessed using the core bereavement items, and PTG was assessed using the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI). Both surveys are validated measures. Results: Two-tailed bivariate correlations were used to analyze the relationships between bereavement experiences and PTG. Significant positive relationships were found between all bereavement experiences and PTG variables (p = <0.01-0.011, r = 0.134-0.290), except for one variable pairing (grief × new possibilities). Participants who reported more intense bereavement experiences also reported greater PTG, especially in the areas relating to others and appreciation of life. Conclusion: FCGs who undergo more intense bereavement experiences tend to experience greater PTG. This information can be used in the future to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted nature of grief and loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei C Grant
- Phronesis Consulting LLC, Clarence, New York, USA
- Research Department, Hospice and Palliative Care Buffalo, Cheektowaga, New York, USA
| | - Kathryn Levy
- Research Department, Hospice and Palliative Care Buffalo, Cheektowaga, New York, USA
- Planning and Research Department, Trocaire College, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Jonathan L Rossi
- Wellness Center, Stop Soldier Suicide, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Christopher W Kerr
- Research Department, Hospice and Palliative Care Buffalo, Cheektowaga, New York, USA
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Elayoubi J, Nelson ME, Mu CX, Haley WE, Wadley VG, Clay OJ, Crowe M, Cushman M, Grant JS, Roth DL, Andel R. The role of caregiving in cognitive function and change: The REGARDS study. Psychol Aging 2023; 38:712-724. [PMID: 37428734 PMCID: PMC10776801 DOI: 10.1037/pag0000766] [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] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Chronic stress is associated with negative health outcomes, including poorer cognition. Some studies found stress from caregiving associated with worse cognitive functioning; however, findings are mixed. The present study examined the relationship between caregiving, caregiving strain, and cognitive functioning. We identified participants in the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study who were family caregivers at baseline assessment and used propensity matching on 14 sociodemographic and health variables to identify matched noncaregivers for comparison. Data included up to 14 years of repeated assessments of global cognitive functioning, learning and memory, and executive functioning. Our results showed that when compared to noncaregivers, caregivers had better baseline scores on global cognitive functioning and word list learning (WLL). Among caregivers, a lot of strain was associated with better WLL and delayed word recall in the unadjusted model only. Caregivers with a lot of strain had higher depressive symptoms but not significantly higher high-sensitivity c-reactive protein (hsCRP) at baseline compared to caregivers with no or some strain after covariate adjustment. Although caregiving can be highly stressful, we found caregiving status and caregiving strain were not associated with cognitive decline. More methodologically rigorous studies are needed, and conclusions that caregiving has negative effects on cognition should be viewed with caution. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Elayoubi
- School of Aging Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
| | | | - Christina X. Mu
- School of Aging Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
| | | | | | - Olivio J. Clay
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Michael Crowe
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Mary Cushman
- Department of Medicine, Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont, Burlington, VT
| | - Joan S. Grant
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham
| | - David L. Roth
- Center on Aging and Health, Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Johns Hopkins University
| | - Ross Andel
- Center for Innovation in Healthy and Resilient Aging, Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
- Department of Neurology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
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Hong YA, Shen K, Han HR, Ta Park V, Bagchi P, Lu HK, Chen H, Wang JHY. A WeChat-based Intervention, Wellness Enhancement for Caregivers (WECARE), for Chinese American Dementia Caregivers: Pilot Assessment of Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Efficacy. JMIR Aging 2023; 6:e42972. [PMID: 37018042 PMCID: PMC10131589 DOI: 10.2196/42972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chinese American family caregivers of persons with dementia experience high rates of psychosocial distress and adverse health outcomes. Due to their immigrant and minority status, they face substantial obstacles to care and support, including stigma and misperception of dementia, limited knowledge and use of welfare and services, and poor social support. Few interventions have been developed or tested for this vulnerable population. OBJECTIVE This study aims to pilot-test the Wellness Enhancement for Caregivers (WECARE) intervention, a culturally tailored program delivered via WeChat, a social media app highly popular in the Chinese population. The 7-week WECARE was designed specifically for Chinese American dementia caregivers to improve their caregiving skills, reduce stress, and enhance psychosocial well-being. Feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of the WECARE were assessed in this pilot. METHODS A total of 24 Chinese American family caregivers of persons with dementia were recruited for a pre-post 1-arm trial of the WECARE. By subscribing to the WECARE official account, participants received interactive multimedia programs on their WeChat account multiple times a week for 7 weeks. A backend database automatically delivered program components and tracked user activities. Three online group meetings were organized to facilitate social networking. Participants completed a baseline and a follow-up survey. Feasibility was assessed by the follow-up rate and curriculum completion rate; acceptability was assessed by user satisfaction and perceived usefulness of the program; and efficacy was assessed with pre-post differences in 2 primary outcomes of depressive symptoms and caregiving burden. RESULTS The intervention was completed by 23 participants with a retention rate of 96%. Most of them (n=20, 83%) were older than 50 years and the majority (n=17, 71%) were female. The backend database revealed that the mean curriculum completion rate was 67%. Participants also reported high rates of user satisfaction and perceived usefulness of the intervention and high ratings of weekly programs. The intervention led to significant improvement in participants' psychosocial health outcomes; their depressive symptoms reduced from 5.74 to 3.35 with an effect size of -0.89 and caregiving burden decreased from 25.78 to 21.96 with an effect size of -0.48. CONCLUSIONS This pilot study suggests that WeChat-based WECARE intervention was feasible and acceptable; it also demonstrated initial efficacy in improving psychosocial well-being in Chinese American dementia caregivers. Further research with a control group is needed to assess its efficacy and effectiveness. The study highlights the need for more culturally appropriate mobile health interventions for Chinese American family caregivers of persons with dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Alicia Hong
- Department of Health Administration and Policy, College of Public Health, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, United States
| | - Kang Shen
- Department of Health Administration and Policy, College of Public Health, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, United States
| | - Hae-Ra Han
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Van Ta Park
- Department of Community Health Systems, School of Nursing, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Pramita Bagchi
- Department of Statistics, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, United States
| | - Huixing Kate Lu
- Chinese Culture and Community Service Center, Inc, Gaithersburg, MD, United States
| | - Hsiaoyin Chen
- Chinese Culture and Community Service Center, Inc, Gaithersburg, MD, United States
| | - Judy Huei-Yu Wang
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
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Hong YA, Shen K, Lu HK, Chen H, Gong Y, Ta Park V, Han HR. A Social Media-Based Intervention for Chinese American Caregivers of Persons With Dementia: Protocol Development. JMIR Aging 2022; 5:e40171. [PMID: 36173667 PMCID: PMC9562087 DOI: 10.2196/40171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Racial/ethnic minority and immigrant caregivers of persons with dementia experience high rates of psychosocial stress and adverse health outcomes. Few culturally tailored mobile health (mHealth) programs were designed for these vulnerable populations. OBJECTIVE This study reports the development of a culturally tailored mHealth program called Wellness Enhancement for Caregivers (WECARE) to improve caregiving skills, reduce distress, and improve the psychosocial well-being of Chinese American family caregivers of persons with dementia. METHODS Community-based user-centered design principles were applied in the program development. First, the structure and curriculum of the WECARE program were crafted based on existing evidence-based interventions for caregivers with input from 4 experts. Second, through working closely with 8 stakeholders, we culturally adapted evidence-based programs into multimedia program components. Lastly, 5 target users tested the initial WECARE program; their experience and feedback were used to further refine the program. RESULTS The resulting WECARE is a 7-week mHealth program delivered via WeChat, a social media app highly popular in Chinese Americans. By subscribing to the official WECARE account, users can receive 6 interactive multimedia articles pushed to their WeChat accounts each week for 7 weeks. The 7 major themes include (1) facts of dementia and caregiving; (2) the enhancement of caregiving skills; (3) effective communication with health care providers, care partners, and family members; (4) problem-solving skills for caregiving stress management; (5) stress reduction and depression prevention; (6) the practice of self-care and health behaviors; and (7) social support and available resources. Users also have the option of joining group chats for peer support. The WECARE program also includes a back-end database that manages intervention delivery and tracks user engagement. CONCLUSIONS The WECARE program represents one of the first culturally tailored social media-based interventions for Chinese American caregivers of persons with dementia. It demonstrates the use of community-based user-centered design principles in developing an mHealth intervention program in underserved communities. We call for more cultural adaptation and development of mHealth interventions for immigrant and racial/ethnic minority caregivers of persons with dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Alicia Hong
- Department of Health Administration and Policy, College of Public Health, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, United States
| | - Kang Shen
- Department of Health Administration and Policy, College of Public Health, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, United States
| | - Huixing Kate Lu
- Chinese Culture and Community Service Center, Inc, Gaithersburg, MD, United States
| | - Hsiaoyin Chen
- Chinese Culture and Community Service Center, Inc, Gaithersburg, MD, United States
| | - Yang Gong
- School of Biomedical Informatics, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Van Ta Park
- Department of Community Health Systems, School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Hae-Ra Han
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Polenick CA, Lei L, Zhou AN, Birditt KS, Maust DT. Caregiver status and illness self-efficacy during the COVID-19 pandemic among older adults with chronic conditions. Aging Ment Health 2022; 26:563-569. [PMID: 33749447 PMCID: PMC8455715 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2021.1901260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Older adults providing unpaid care to a relative or friend during the COVID-19 pandemic may have diminished self-efficacy in managing their own chronic illness, especially in the context of more complex self-management. We evaluated whether adults aged 50 and older with caregiving roles are more likely to report reduced illness self-efficacy since the pandemic, and whether this link is exacerbated by a higher number of conditions. METHODS Participants (105 caregivers and 590 noncaregivers) residing in Michigan (82.6%) and 33 other U.S. states completed one online survey between May 14 and July 9, 2020. RESULTS Controlling for sociodemographic and health characteristics, stressors related to COVID-19, and behavioral and psychosocial changes since the pandemic, caregivers were more likely than noncaregivers to report reduced illness self-efficacy when they had a higher number of chronic conditions. CONCLUSION These findings highlight the importance of maintaining caregivers' self-care during the COVID-19 pandemic and in future public health crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney A. Polenick
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109,Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48104,Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Lianlian Lei
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Annie N. Zhou
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Kira S. Birditt
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
| | - Donovan T. Maust
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109,Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109,Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
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Zhang H, Li P, Liu T, Wang X, Feng W, Chen R, Wei H, Li G, Ning L, Zhang M, Zhang Y. Focal white matter microstructural alteration after anthracycline-based systemic treatment in long-term breast cancer survivors: a structural magnetic resonance imaging study. Brain Imaging Behav 2021; 16:843-854. [PMID: 34608574 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-021-00551-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the neural correlates of cognitive problems in patients with breast cancer (BC) after systemic treatment have been a topic of increasing investigation. The heterogeneity of the systemic treatment regimens may undermine our ability to identify brain microstructural alterations resulting from any given regimen. We investigated the detrimental effects of the anthracycline-based systemic treatment (AST) regimen (epirubicin and cyclophosphamide + docetaxel + tamoxifen) on brain gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) microstructural alteration in long-term BC survivors. We performed a battery of neuropsychological tests and structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to 31 long-term BC survivors who had received the AST regimen (AST group) and 43 healthy controls (HC group). Voxel-based morphometry evaluated the whole-brain voxel-wise GM volume, while diffusion tensor imaging technique with tract-based spatial statistics analysis evaluated whole-brain WM microstructural alteration. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) was used to evaluate the relationship between cognitive impairment and brain microstructural alteration in BC survivors. Compared with the HC group, the AST group exhibited a significantly poorer performance in attention, as well as a marginal significantly poorer performance in verbal working memory and executive function. Significantly lower fractional anisotropy (FA), higher radial diffusivity (RD), and lower axial diffusivity (AD) in multiple brain WM regions were showed in AST group compared with the HC group. Overlap of lower FA and higher RD was found in the body of corpus callosum (CC) and bilateral superior corona radiata (SCR), whereas overlap of lower FA and AD was found in the body of CC and right SCR. The PLSR results showed that the WM regions with overlap of lower FA and AD were significantly associated with executive and verbal working memory decline. No significant difference was observed in the GM volume between groups. Our results suggest that microstructural abnormalities of certain vulnerable WM regions in the AST regimen-exposed brain may provide neuroimaging evidence for the identification of brain injury and cognitive impairment induced by specific chemotherapy regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huawen Zhang
- Department of Medical Imaging, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Republic of China.,Department of Medical Imaging, No.215 Hospital of Shaanxi Nuclear Geology, Xianyang, China
| | - Peng Li
- Department of Medical Imaging, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Republic of China.,Department of Medical Imaging, No.215 Hospital of Shaanxi Nuclear Geology, Xianyang, China
| | - Tonghui Liu
- Department of Medical Imaging, No.215 Hospital of Shaanxi Nuclear Geology, Xianyang, China
| | - Xueyuan Wang
- Department of Medical Imaging, No.215 Hospital of Shaanxi Nuclear Geology, Xianyang, China
| | - Wei Feng
- Department of Medical Imaging, No.215 Hospital of Shaanxi Nuclear Geology, Xianyang, China
| | - Rui Chen
- Department of Medical Imaging, No.215 Hospital of Shaanxi Nuclear Geology, Xianyang, China
| | - Hengyang Wei
- Department of Medical Imaging, No.215 Hospital of Shaanxi Nuclear Geology, Xianyang, China
| | - Guoqiang Li
- Department of Medical Imaging, No.215 Hospital of Shaanxi Nuclear Geology, Xianyang, China
| | - Long Ning
- Department of Medical Imaging, No.215 Hospital of Shaanxi Nuclear Geology, Xianyang, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Department of Medical Imaging, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Republic of China.
| | - Yuchen Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 277, West Yanta Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, Republic of China.
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Caregivers' Experience of Caring for a Family Member with Alzheimer's Disease: A Content Analysis of Longitudinal Social Media Communication. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17124412. [PMID: 32575455 PMCID: PMC7345212 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17124412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background: The population aging together with an increased incidence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) should also be accompanied by a growing interest in healthcare research. Therefore, this study examines the nature of the caregiver’s work, its mental and physical demands, experience and questions, and the relationship between the person with AD, the caregiver, and family members. Methods: As social media has become the place where people share family situations, a Facebook private discussion group of caregivers was chosen as the analytical data source. The study documented the daily-life situations of one-hundred dyads based on 2110 posts published during a six-month or longer period. A content analysis classified communication into 35 categories of basic, instrumental, and extended activities of daily livings (ADLs) and newly designed caregiver’s daily issues (CDIs). Results: The frequently discussed topics were related to exhaustion and feelings of “giving up” by caregivers and interpersonal communication and help from family members. The highest support was found for the topics of aging and dying and family events. Conclusion: The communications of caregivers were diverse and rather associated with co-occupational ADLs and CDIs than basic or instrumental ADLs. The support of the group was mainly provided in coping with fundamental life changes.
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Ramos-Campos M, Redolat R, Mesa-Gresa P. The Mediational Role of Burden and Perceived Stress in Subjective Memory Complaints in Informal Cancer Caregivers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17072190. [PMID: 32218278 PMCID: PMC7177542 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17072190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The role of informal caregiver of cancer patients is considered a situation of chronic stress that could have impact on cognitive functioning. Our aim was to evaluate differences in perceived stress, subjective memory complaints, self-esteem, and resilience between caregivers and non-caregivers, as well as the possible mediational role of burden in caregivers. The sample was composed of 60 participants divided into two groups: (1) Primary informal caregivers of a relative with cancer (CCG) (n = 34); and (2) non-caregiver control subjects (Non-CG) (n = 26). All participants were evaluated through a battery of tests: Socio-demographic questionnaire, subjective memory complaints questionnaire (MFE-30), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, resilience (CD-RISC-10), and perceived stress scale (PSS). The CCG group also completed the Zarit burden interview. Results indicated that CCG displayed higher scores than Non-CG in MFE-30 (p = 0.000) and PSS (p = 0.005). In the CCG group, Pearson correlations indicated that PSS showed a negative relationship with resilience (p = 0.000) and self-esteem (p = 0.002) and positive correlation with caregiver’s burden (p = 0.015). In conclusion, CCG displayed higher number of subjective memory complaints and higher perceived stress than Non-CG, whereas no significant differences were obtained on self-esteem and resilience. These results could aid in designing new intervention strategies aimed to diminish stress, burden, or cognitive effects in informal caregivers of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Ramos-Campos
- Junta asociada provincial de Valencia de la Asociación Española contra el Cáncer, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
- Psychobiology Department, Universitat de València, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Rosa Redolat
- Psychobiology Department, Universitat de València, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Patricia Mesa-Gresa
- Psychobiology Department, Universitat de València, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-96-398-3985
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Romero-Martínez Á, Hidalgo-Moreno G, Moya-Albiol L. Neuropsychological consequences of chronic stress: the case of informal caregivers. Aging Ment Health 2020; 24:259-271. [PMID: 30450952 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2018.1537360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Caring for a family member with a long-term illness is a significant source of chronic stress that might significantly accelerate the cognitive ageing of informal caregivers. Nevertheless, the absence of a defined theoretical body of literature on the neuropsychology of this population makes it difficult to understand what the characteristic neuropsychological deficits of these caregivers are.Aims: The main aim of this study is to carry out a systematic review of studies of cognitive deficits present in informal caregivers of people with several chronic pathologies, and analyse the effects of cognitive-behavioural interventions on caregivers' cognition.Methods: The scientific literature was reviewed following the PRISMA quality criteria for reviews using the following digital databases: PubMEd, PsycINFO, and Dialnet.Results: Identification of 2046 abstracts and retrieval of 211 full texts led to the inclusion of 38 papers. The studies showed heterogeneous results, but most of the cross-sectional studies reviewed that employed neuropsychological assessments concluded that informal caregivers reported a generalized cognitive deterioration, especially memory dysfunctions (i.e. learning verbal, visuospatial, and digit information). Moreover, they also presented low selective attention and capacity for inhibition, along with slow processing speed. Longitudinal studies confirmed that caregivers whose care situation was more prolonged showed a marked deterioration in their overall cognitive state, memory, processing speed, and vocabulary richness. However, although the patient's death does not seem to reverse the neuropsychological alterations in caregivers, cognitive-behavioural interventions that employ techniques to reduce stress levels, cognitive biases, and inadequate adaptation schemas seem to improve some of the aforementioned cognitive abilities.Conclusions: Results from this synthesis and critical analysis of neuropsychological deficits in informal caregivers offer guidelines for diagnosing caregivers' cognitive status by including a test battery covering all the domains considered relevant. Finally, given the ability of cognitive behavioural interventions to improve cognition in caregivers, further studies on their long-term effects on caregivers are warranted.Chronic stress entails an acceleration of the cognitive ageingCross-sectional studies concluded that informal caregivers reported a generalized cognitive deteriorationCognitive-behavioural interventions seem to improve cognitive abilities of caregivers.
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Polenick CA, Leggett AN, Webster NJ, Han BH, Zarit SH, Piette JD. Multiple Chronic Conditions in Spousal Caregivers of Older Adults With Functional Disability: Associations With Caregiving Difficulties and Gains. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2020; 75:160-172. [PMID: 29029293 PMCID: PMC6909432 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbx118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Multiple chronic conditions (MCCs) are common and have harmful consequences in later life. Along with managing their own health, many aging adults care for an impaired partner. Spousal caregiving may be more stressful when caregivers have MCCs, particularly those involving complex management. Yet, little is known about combinations of conditions that are most consequential for caregiving outcomes. METHOD Using a U.S. sample of 359 spousal caregivers and care recipients from the 2011 National Aging Trends Study and National Study of Caregiving, we examined three categories of MCCs based on similarity of management strategies (concordant only, discordant only, and both concordant and discordant) and their associations with caregiving difficulties and gains. We also considered gender differences. RESULTS Relative to caregivers without MCCs, caregivers with discordant MCCs reported fewer gains, whereas caregivers with both concordant and discordant MCCs reported greater emotional and physical difficulties. Wives with discordant MCCs only reported a trend for greater physical difficulties. Caregivers with concordant MCCs did not report more difficulties or gains. DISCUSSION Spousal caregivers with MCCs involving discordant management strategies appear to be at risk for adverse care-related outcomes and may benefit from support in maintaining their own health as well as their caregiving responsibilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney A Polenick
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
- Program for Positive Aging, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Amanda N Leggett
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
- Program for Positive Aging, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Noah J Webster
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Benjamin H Han
- Department of Medicine, New York University
- Department of Population Health, New York University
| | - Steven H Zarit
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park
| | - John D Piette
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
- Department of Veterans Affairs, HSR&D Center for Clinical Management Research (CCMR), Ann Arbor, MI
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES To conceptualize the pathways and assess current evidence for the relationship between caregiver well-being and the quality of the cancer patient's care. DATA SOURCES Qualitative, quantitative, and theoretical literature and official reports. CONCLUSION Caregiver well-being has both direct and indirect effects on the quality of cancer care, including care received from the health care team, from the caregiver themselves, and in relation to patients' own self-management. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE Supporting caregivers has tangible consequences with regard to the quality of cancer care on multiple levels, with direct implications for patient outcomes. Nurses have a key role in providing psychosocial care to patients and their caregivers, and in supporting system-level change.
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12
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Ma M, Dorstyn D, Ward L, Prentice S. Alzheimers' disease and caregiving: a meta-analytic review comparing the mental health of primary carers to controls. Aging Ment Health 2018; 22:1395-1405. [PMID: 28871796 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2017.1370689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To quantitatively review the literature comparing depressed mood, anxiety and psychological distress in caregivers (CGs) of older adults with Alzheimer's disease (AD) with non-caregivers (NCGs) Methods: Eighteen independent studies comparing AD CGs (N = 2378) with NCGs (N = 70,035) were evaluated in accordance with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines. Standardised mean differences (Hedges' g) with associated 95% confidence intervals and p-values were calculated using a random-effects model. RESULTS Studies generally conformed to STROBE criteria in terms of their methodological and procedural detail, although data management issues that may contribute to methodological bias were identified. Pooled effect estimates revealed medium to large group differences in depression (gw = 1.01 [CI: 0.73, 1.29] p < 0.01) and anxiety (gw = 0.64 [CI: 0.39, 0.89] p < 0.01): AD caregivers reported higher symptom severity. Gender was a significant moderator: female caregivers experienced poor self-reported mood (gw = 1.58 [CI: 1.11, 2.05], p < 0.01), although this analysis was limited in power given the small number of contributing studies. DISCUSSION Caregivers of patients with AD experience poor mental health in comparison to the general population, with female caregivers being disproportionately affected. Further exploration of the psychosocial variables that contribute to these group differences is needed to inform effective support services and, in turn, help caregivers manage the emotional demands of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandy Ma
- a Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, School of Psychology , University of Adelaide , Adelaide , Australia
| | - Diana Dorstyn
- a Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, School of Psychology , University of Adelaide , Adelaide , Australia
| | - Lynn Ward
- a Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, School of Psychology , University of Adelaide , Adelaide , Australia
| | - Shaun Prentice
- a Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, School of Psychology , University of Adelaide , Adelaide , Australia
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Park J, Ross A, Klagholz SD, Bevans MF. The Role of Biomarkers in Research on Caregivers for Cancer Patients: A Scoping Review. Biol Res Nurs 2017; 20:300-311. [PMID: 29130313 DOI: 10.1177/1099800417740970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biomarkers can be used as prognostic, predictive, or monitoring indicators of an associated outcome. The purpose of this review was to provide a comprehensive summary of the research examining the use of biomarkers as surrogate end points for clinical outcomes in family caregivers for cancer patients, identify gaps, and make recommendations for future research. METHODS A scoping review, a process of mapping the existing literature, was conducted. Studies comparing biomarkers across caregivers and controls and/or examining relationships between biomarkers and psychological health were reviewed. RESULTS The studies ( N = 18) of caregivers for cancer patients who were identified used biomarkers to predict outcomes ( n = 13) and to monitor the efficacy of interventions ( n = 6). Biomarkers were divided into two categories based on physiological systems involved: (1) neuroendocrine function (sympathetic-adrenal-medullary axis activity, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity) and (2) immune function. Predictive biomarkers were sensitive to differences between caregivers and controls. The biomarkers were used to evaluate outcomes frequently associated with stress, depression, and anxiety. Cortisol was the biomarker most commonly measured to monitor the efficacy of interventions. DISCUSSION Biomarkers are most commonly incorporated into caregiver studies to predict group membership and psychological health. Neuroendocrine biomarkers, specifically cortisol, are most frequently assessed. Future research should include biomarkers of other physiologic functions (e.g., cardiovascular function, cognitive dysfunction, and cell aging) and those that serve as multisystem indicators. Expanding the scientific study of biomarkers will contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms through which stress may influence caregiver health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jumin Park
- 1 National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Alyson Ross
- 1 National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Sadak T, Korpak A, Wright JD, Lee MK, Noel M, Buckwalter K, Borson S. Psychometric Evaluation of Kingston Caregiver Stress Scale. Clin Gerontol 2017; 40:268-280. [PMID: 28459351 DOI: 10.1080/07317115.2017.1313349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Standardized measurement of caregiver stress is a component of Medicare's new health care benefit supporting care planning for people with dementia. In this article we identify existing measures of caregiver stress, strain and burden and propose specific criteria for choosing tools that may be suitable for wide use in primary care settings. We reviewed 22 measures and identified one, the Kingston Caregiver Stress Scale (KCSS), which met all the proposed criteria but had not been studied in a U.S. SAMPLE We conducted a psychometric evaluation of KCSS to determine its potential usefulness as a care planning tool with a U.S. METHODS We examined the internal consistency, test-retest reliability, component structure, and relationship to depression and anxiety in 227 dementia caregivers at two U.S. sites. RESULTS The KCSS has high internal consistency and test-retest reliability, a strong factor structure, and moderate to high correlations with caregiver depression and anxiety. CONCLUSION KCSS is a good candidate for use as part of comprehensive care planning for people with dementia and their caregivers. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Routine assessment of caregiver stress in clinical care may facilitate timely intervention and potentially improve both patient and caregiver outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Sadak
- a University of Washington School of Nursing , Seattle , Washington , USA
| | - Anna Korpak
- b University of Washington School of Public Health , Seattle , Washington , USA
| | - Jacob D Wright
- c Dementia Care Research and Consulting, Palm Springs , California , USA
| | - Mee Kyung Lee
- a University of Washington School of Nursing , Seattle , Washington , USA
| | - Margaret Noel
- d MemoryCare , Asheville , North Carolina , USA.,e University of North Carolina School of Medicine , Chapel Hill , North Carolina , USA
| | | | - Soo Borson
- g University of Washington School of Medicine , Seattle , Washington , USA.,h University of Minnesota, Minneapolis , Minnesota , USA
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