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Gallagher VT, Reilly SE, Rossetti MA, Mattos M, Manning C. Factors associated with reduced sleep among spouses and caregivers of older adults with varying levels of cognitive decline. Psychogeriatrics 2024; 24:223-232. [PMID: 38098187 DOI: 10.1111/psyg.13064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Caregivers of persons with cognitive decline (PWCD) are at increased risk of poor sleep quantity and quality. It is unclear whether this is due to factors in the caregiver versus in the PWCD. METHODS This secondary data analysis using Aging, Demographics, and Memory Study data from the Health Retirement Study examined factors contributing to reduced sleep/rest among spouses and caregivers of older adults with varying levels of cognitive decline (cognitively normal (CN), cognitive impairment but not dementia (CIND), or dementia). RESULTS In our preliminary analysis, among N = 218 spouses (not necessarily caregivers) (mean age (SD) = 73.77 (7.30); 70.64% female) of older adults with varying levels of cognitive decline, regression revealed that frequency of sleep complaints was lowest among spouses with CN partners, second highest with CIND partners, and highest with dementia-partners, X2 = 26.810, P = 0.002. PRIMARY AIM among n = 136 caregivers of PWCD (mean age (SD) = 59.27 (13.97); 74.26% female; 22.79% spouses), we analyzed whether caregiver reduced sleep/rest was predicted by PWCD factors (i.e., frequent nighttime waking, dementia severity) and/or caregiver factors (i.e., depression symptoms, caregiver role overload). Regression revealed that caregiver depression symptoms (d = 0.62) and role overload (d = 0.88), but not PWCD factors, were associated with reduced caregiver sleep/rest after adjusting for demographic factors, caregiving frequency, and shared-dwelling status (overall model: X2 = 31.876, P = 0.002). Exploratory analyses revealed that a caregiver was 7.901 times more likely (95% CI: 0.99-63.15) to endorse experiencing reduced sleep/rest if back-up care was not available (P = 0.023). CONCLUSION Findings highlight that the frequency of reported sleep problems among spouses increases in a stepwise fashion when partners have dementia versus CIND versus CN. The results also emphasise that caregiver mental health and burden are strongly associated with caregiver sleep disturbances and thus may be targets of intervention for caregiver sleep problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia T Gallagher
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Shannon E Reilly
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - M Agustina Rossetti
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Meghan Mattos
- Division of Geriatrics, School of Nursing and School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Carol Manning
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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Gibson R, Abey-Nesbit R, Gander P, Parsons M. Exploring older care recipients' sleep status as a predictor for informal carer distress: evidence from New Zealand's interRAI home care assessment data. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e073524. [PMID: 37879684 PMCID: PMC10603541 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-073524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Understanding factors affecting informal carers' well-being is important to support healthy ageing at home. Sleep disturbances of care recipients are increasingly recognised as affecting the well-being of both parties. This research assesses the relationship between indicators of care recipients' sleep status and carer distress, as well as carer distress with subsequent admission to residential aged care, using prospectively collected Home Care International Residential Assessment Instrument (interRAI-HC) assessment data. PARTICIPANTS Data were sourced from 127 832 assessments conducted between 2012 and 2019 for people aged 55 years or older who had support from at least one informal carer. The majority (59.4%) of care recipients were female and 59.1% were defined as having cognitive impairment or dementia (CIoD). SETTING New Zealand. DESIGN Logistic regression modelling was used to assess the independent relationships between indicators of care recipients' sleep status (difficulty sleeping and fatigue) and primary caregivers' distress (feeling overwhelmed or distressed). Kaplan meier curves illustrated the subsequent relationship between caregiver distress and care recipients' transitions to aged residential care. RESULTS Care recipients' sleeping difficulty (32.4%) and moderate-severe fatigue (46.6%) were independently associated with caregiver distress after controlling for key demographic and health factors included in the assessment. Distress was reported by 39.9% of informal caregivers and was three times more likely among those supporting someone with a CIoD. Caregiver distress was significantly associated with care recipients' earlier admission into aged residential care. CONCLUSIONS Indicators of sleep disturbance among care recipients are associated with increased likelihood of carer distress. This has implications for managing the overall home-care situation and long-term care needs, as well as the well-being of both parties. Findings will inform research and development of measures, services and interventions to improve the sleep and waking health of older people, including those with CIoD and family caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosemary Gibson
- Sleep/Wake Research Centre, College of Health, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
- School of Psychology, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | | | - Philippa Gander
- Sleep/Wake Research Centre, College of Health, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Matthew Parsons
- School of Nursing, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
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Burholt V, Peri K, Awatere S, Balmer D, Cheung G, Daltrey J, Fearn J, Gibson R, Kerse N, Lawrence AM, Moeke-Maxwell T, Munro E, Orton Y, Pillai A, Riki A, Williams LA. Improving continence management for people with dementia in the community in Aotearoa, New Zealand: Protocol for a mixed methods study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288613. [PMID: 37463158 PMCID: PMC10353819 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The number of people living with dementia (PLWD) in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) was estimated at 96,713 in 2020 and it is anticipated that this number will increase to 167,483 by 2050, including an estimated 12,039 Māori (indigenous people of NZ) with dementia. Experiencing urinary incontinence (UI) or faecal incontinence (FI) is common for PLWD, particularly at the later stages of the disease. However, there is no robust estimate for either prevalence or incidence of UI or FI for PLWD in NZ. Although caregivers rate independent toilet use as the most important activity of daily living to be preserved, continence care for PLWD in the community is currently not systematised and there is no structured care pathway. The evidence to guide continence practice is limited, and more needs to be known about caregiving and promoting continence and managing incontinence for PLWD in the community. This project will seek to understand the extent of the challenge and current practices of health professionals, PLWD, caregivers and family; identify promising strategies; co-develop culturally appropriate guidelines and support materials to improve outcomes; and identify appropriate quality indicators so that good continence care can be measured in future interventions. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A four-phase mixed methods study will be delivered over three years: three phases will run concurrently, followed by a fourth transformative sequential phase. Phase 1 will identify the prevalence and incidence of incontinence for PLWD in the community using a cohort study from standardised home care interRAI assessments. Phase 2 will explore continence management for PLWD in the community through a review of clinical policies and guidance from publicly funded continence services, and qualitative focus group interviews with health professionals. Phase 3 will explore experiences, strategies, impact and consequences of promoting continence and managing incontinence for PLWD in the community through secondary data analysis of an existing carers' study, and collecting new cross-sectional and longitudinal qualitative data from Māori and non-Māori PLWD and their caregivers. In Phase 4, two adapted 3-stage Delphi processes will be used to co-produce clinical guidelines and a core outcome set, while a series of workshops will be used to co-produce caregiver resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Burholt
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- School of Population Health, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Centre for Innovative Ageing, College of Human and Health Sciences, Swansea University, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Kathryn Peri
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Sharon Awatere
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Deborah Balmer
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Gary Cheung
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Julie Daltrey
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jaime Fearn
- School of Psychology, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Rosemary Gibson
- School of Psychology, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Ngaire Kerse
- School of Population Health, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - Tess Moeke-Maxwell
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Erica Munro
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Yasmin Orton
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Avinesh Pillai
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Arapera Riki
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Lisa Ann Williams
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Gibson R, Helm A, Ross I, Gander P, Breheny M. "I think I could have coped if I was sleeping better": Sleep across the trajectory of caring for a family member with dementia. DEMENTIA 2023:14713012231166744. [PMID: 36996480 DOI: 10.1177/14713012231166744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
Dementia-related sleep changes can lead to disruptions among families living with dementia which can jeopardise carers' wellbeing and ability to provide support. This research explores and represents the sleep of family caregivers across the trajectory of caring, before, during, and after the key period of their care recipient moving into residential care. The focus of this paper is viewing dementia caregiving as a trajectory, characterised by care needs which change over time. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 carers whose family member with dementia had transitioned into residential care within the prior 2 years. Themes constructed from these interviews indicated that sleep was linked to earlier life course patterns as well as to significant moments of transition in the caregiving journey. As dementia progressed, carers' sleep progressively worsened in relation to the less predictable nature of dementia-symptoms, difficulty maintaining routines, and constant responsibilities creating a state of high alert. Carers attempted to facilitate better sleep and wellbeing for their family member, often sacrificing their own self-care. Around the care transition period, some cares reported not realising how sleep deprived they were; for others the busy momentum continued. After the transition, many carers acknowledged that they were exhausted, although many had not realised this while providing home-based care. Post-transition, many carers reported ongoing sleep disruptions associated with poor sleep habits established whilst caring, insomnia or nightmares and grief. Carers were optimistic that their sleep would improve with time and many were enjoying sleeping according to their own preferences. The sleep experience of family carers is unique and includes tensions between their essential need for sleep and the experience of care as self-sacrifice. Findings have implications for timely support and interventions for families living with dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosemary Gibson
- School of Psychology, 6420Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- Sleep/Wake Research Centre, School of Health Sciences, 6420Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Amy Helm
- Department of Sleep/Wake Research Centre, School of Health Sciences, 6420Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Isabelle Ross
- Department of Sleep/Wake Research Centre, School of Health Sciences, 6420Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Philippa Gander
- Department of Sleep/Wake Research Centre, School of Health Sciences, 6420Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Mary Breheny
- School of Health, 8491Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
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Sleep health in later life: interviews exploring experiences, attitudes and behaviours of older people. AGEING & SOCIETY 2022. [DOI: 10.1017/s0144686x22000447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Sleep is vital for health and wellbeing across the lifecourse. Ethnic differences have been observed with regards to the prevalence and predictors of self-reported sleep problems. An understanding of sleep experiences with ageing and across ethnicities is required to better support older people. Open-ended interviews were conducted with 23 people living in Aotearoa/New Zealand aged 61–92 years (12 Māori and 11 non-Māori) concerning current sleep status, changes over their lifecourse and personal strategies for supporting good sleep. Participants typically expressed satisfaction with current sleep (usually pertaining to duration) or feelings that sleep was compromised (usually pertaining to waking function). Comparisons to a socially perceived ‘ideal’ sleep were common, with sleep transitions presented as a gradual and accepted part of ageing. Participants resisted medicalising sleep disruptions in older age. While participants were aware of ways to enhance their sleep, many acknowledged engaging in practices that undermined it. Unique insights from some Māori participants indicated that sleep disruptions were not so readily pathologised compared to Western views and that sleeplessness could provide opportunity for cultural or spiritual connection. Common narratives underpinning the themes were: ‘You don't need as much sleep when you're older’, ‘Sleep just fits in’ and ‘Having the time of my life’. Findings provide personal experiences and cultural interpretations relating to sleep and ageing. This provides the foundation for future participatory research to co-design sleep health messages which are meaningful for ageing well across ethnicities.
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Sun L, Li K, Zhang L, Zhang Y. Associations Between Self-Reported Sleep Disturbances and Cognitive Impairment: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study. Nat Sci Sleep 2022; 14:207-216. [PMID: 35210888 PMCID: PMC8857964 DOI: 10.2147/nss.s347658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cognitive impairment is a rapidly growing global public health problem in China and worldwide. In the recent decades, emerging studies have explored the associations between sleep disturbances and cognitive impairment. However, the variety of the results imply us that further studies should be conducted for the associations. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study conducted between August and October 2018 in five cities in Hebei province, China. Subjects were 21,376 community residents. Cognitive impairment was screened by the Chinese version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Scales of Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), Berlin Questionnaire (BQ), REM (rapid eye movement) Sleep Behavior Disorder Questionnaire (RBDQ-HK), Ullanlinna Narcolepsy Scale (CUNS), and Cambridge-Hopkins Restless Legs Syndrome Questionnaire (CH-RLSq) were used to access insomnia, sleep apnea, REM sleep behavior disorder, narcolepsy, and restless leg syndrome. RESULTS The mean ± SD (standard error) of MMSE, AIS, RBDQ-HK, and CUNS were 27.95 ± 4.79, 2.16 ± 3.39, 5.55 ± 7.75, and 3.76 ± 2.31, respectively. Among the participants, 10.6% and 1.5% of the participants were identified as having a high risk of sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome, respectively. The results of multiple linear regression showed that cognitive impairment was associated with insomnia (β = -0.037, p < 0.001) and narcolepsy (β = -0.023, p < 0.001). The association between sleep apnea (β = -0.002, p > 0.05), REM sleep behavior disorder (β = 0.006, p > 0.05), restless leg syndrome (β = -0.007, p > 0.05), and cognitive impairment were not supported. Other factors associated with cognitive impairment were gender, age, education level, married status, and region. CONCLUSION This study provides some epidemiological evidence for the association between sleep disturbances and cognitive impairment among community residents in central China. In this study, the associations between insomnia, narcolepsy, and cognitive impairment were identified, but the associations between sleep apnea, REM sleep behavior disorder, narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome, and cognitive impairment were not supported among community residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Sun
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China.,National Health Commission of China Key Laboratory for Health Economics and Policy Research (Shandong University), Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Keqing Li
- Department of Sleep Medicine, Hebei Provincial Mental Health Center, Baoding, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Lili Zhang
- Department of Sleep Medicine, Hebei Provincial Mental Health Center, Baoding, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunshu Zhang
- Department of Sleep Medicine, Hebei Provincial Mental Health Center, Baoding, Hebei, People's Republic of China
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Gibson R, Dowell A, Jones L, Gander P. Non-pharmacological interventions a feasible option for addressing dementia-related sleep problems in the context of family care. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2021; 7:114. [PMID: 34039440 PMCID: PMC8152127 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-021-00851-x] [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: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sleep disturbances are challenging symptoms associated with mild cognitive impairment or dementia (MCIoD). This study assessed the feasibility of sleep monitoring and non-pharmacological interventions to improve the sleep of New Zealanders with MCIoD and their family carers. Methods A 5-week multi-modal intervention consisting of timed bright light therapy, physical activity, and sleep education was piloted. Sleep was monitored for a week at baseline and conclusion of the trial using actigraphy, diaries, and questionnaires alongside additional health and wellbeing information concerning both care recipients and carers. Results Fifteen pairs participated, 9 completed the trial. Patterns of attrition and participant feedback are discussed. Case studies showed that six of the care recipients had minor improvements to sleep efficiency. Some also had improved subjective sleep ratings and quality of life. Changes did not clearly translate to family carers. However, five of them also showed some improvements in sleep status and mental health. Health deterioration of care recipients may mask the effects of the intervention. Conclusions It is feasible to use non-pharmacological sleep interventions for people with MCIoD and their family carers. Given the limited treatment options, further consideration of such interventions in future research and clinical practice is warranted. Trial registration As this study was to assess the feasibility of proposed methods, it was an observational study without case-control groups nor a medical-based intervention, clinical registration was not required. A future full version of the trial would be registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trails Registry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosemary Gibson
- Sleep/Wake Research Centre, Massey University, Private Bag 756, Wellington, New Zealand.
| | - Anthony Dowell
- Primary Health Care and General Practice University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Linda Jones
- School of Psychology, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Philippa Gander
- Sleep/Wake Research Centre, Massey University, Private Bag 756, Wellington, New Zealand
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Gibson R, Helm A, Breheny M, Gander P. "My quiet times": Themes of sleep health among people caring for a family member with dementia. DEMENTIA 2020; 20:2024-2040. [PMID: 33371737 DOI: 10.1177/1471301220980247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
This research explores and represents the sleep of people caring for a family member with cognitive impairment or dementia. A thematic analysis was applied to the open-ended comments from 526 carers from a postal survey concerning sleep, health and caregiving. Themes are presented within a framework of five dimensions of sleep health. Themes of sleep duration included striking a balance between 'achieving the hours' whilst also sacrificing sleep to manage responsibilities. Themes of sleep efficiency included symptoms of insomnia ('losing sleep over the situation') and 'sleeping on guard' in case night-time support was required. Timing of sleep was themed as either restricted to 'when the one I care for sleeps' or salvaged as a luxury 'quiet time'. Levels of alertness were represented within themes of being 'tired all of the time' whilst also in a state of 'high alert'. Finally, overall sleep satisfaction ranged from themes concerning 'sleeping fine at the moment' to sleep being 'a big problem'. The sleep experience of family carers is unique and often includes tensions between roles and responsibilities and their own need for sleep and well-being. Findings have implications for community support and healthcare interventions for families affected by dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosemary Gibson
- Sleep/Wake Research Centre, 6420Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Amy Helm
- Sleep/Wake Research Centre, 6420Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Mary Breheny
- School of Health Sciences, 6420Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Philippa Gander
- Sleep/Wake Research Centre, 6420Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
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