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Brewster G, Yang I, Pelkmans J, Higgins M, Waldrop D, Dunbar SB, Yeager KA. Factors related to cognitive performance among black caregivers of persons living with a chronic illness: An exploratory study. Geriatr Nurs 2024; 59:159-169. [PMID: 39013234 DOI: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2024.06.035] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
This study investigated factors associated with cognitive performance among Black caregivers of persons living with two chronic conditions: dementia or cancer. Fifty-six Black caregivers of people living with dementia or cancer were recruited from clinic and community sources. Variables measured included: depression, anxiety, stress, sleep, fatigue, and caregiver burden. Cognitive performance was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Descriptive statistics and non-parametric analyses were conducted to identify factors related to MoCA scores. Caregivers were 58.3 years of age and predominantly female. The average MoCA score was 25.23. Gender and education, along with positive appraisal of caregiving were significantly associated with cognitive performance. Several other factors approached significance including cohabitation with the care recipient, fatigue, and stress due to perceived individual and institutional racism. Our findings suggest several factors that warrant further investigation for understanding the relationship between caregiving and cognitive performance in Black caregivers of people living with cancer or dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenna Brewster
- Emory University, Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, 1520 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Irene Yang
- Emory University, Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, 1520 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
| | - Jordan Pelkmans
- Emory University, Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, 1520 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Melinda Higgins
- Emory University, Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, 1520 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Drenna Waldrop
- Emory University, Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, 1520 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Sandra B Dunbar
- Emory University, Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, 1520 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Katherine A Yeager
- Emory University, Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, 1520 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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Pruitt A, Croff R, Boise L, Kaye J. Are We Talking About the Same Thing? Black/African Americans' Response to the BRFSS Cognitive Decline and Caregiver Modules. J Cross Cult Gerontol 2024:10.1007/s10823-024-09507-8. [PMID: 38861052 DOI: 10.1007/s10823-024-09507-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) is a randomized national U.S. telephone survey administered by state health departments. This study aimed to identify how Black/African Americans understand BRFSS caregiver and cognitive decline surveys and terminology to inform health messaging that centers the Black/African American experience. In focus groups, BRFSS surveys were administered to Black/African Americans (n = 30) aged ≥ 45 in Oregon. Participants were asked how they interpreted BRFSS terms 'memory loss' and 'confusion,' how these terms related to Alzheimer's and dementia, and about caregiving and cognitive decline experiences. The culturally responsive Africana Worldview guided interpretation, which centers the Black/African American experience and individuals within interdependent relationships and community identity when explaining behaviors of people from the African diaspora. BRFSS survey responses differed from focus group responses to the same questions. Two participants reported providing care in the past two years on the survey; in discussions, 21 participants reported providing care in the past two years. Interpretations of BRFSS terminology varied greatly. Differences between age-related cognitive changes, dementia and Alzheimer's disease were unclear. Cognitive decline was largely understood in terms of identity loss and relationship changes with the affected individual, and how that individual's relationship changed within community. Caution is advised when using BRFSS data to frame messaging because key cognitive health terms are not universally understood. Messaging that apply the Africana Worldview centralizes relationships and community rather than impact on individual's day-to-day activities, may be more effective for Black/African Americans and for other groups with different cultural and life experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andre Pruitt
- School of Social Work, Portland State University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Raina Croff
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
| | - Linda Boise
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Jeffrey Kaye
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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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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Wang D, Rushton S, Ledbetter L, Graton M, Ramos K, Hendrix CC. Factors associated with memory of informal caregivers: A scoping review protocol. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0295449. [PMID: 38277350 PMCID: PMC10817195 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The ability to retain and remember information (memory) is essential to caregiving tasks. There is evidence that caregivers are at greater risk for experiencing deteriorations in cognitive status than non-caregivers, especially memory; however, we have a limited understanding of factors that are related to changes in caregiver memory. This scoping review intends to comprehensively map factors related to caregiver memory reported in the literature within the chronic caregiving context. Specific aims include (1) identifying factors related to caregiver memory; (2) examining how caregiver memory has been measured; and (3) describing changes in caregiver memory during their caregiving period. This review will be conducted following Arksey and O'Malley's framework and reported using the PRISMA guidelines for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Studies will be included if (1) the studies focus on home-based unpaid long term family caregiving; (2) study participants (patients), of any age, have one (or more) chronic illness or disability and receive care from a caregiver for 6 months or more; (3) caregivers are adults (> = 18 years of age). Any chronic disease or condition will be included. The search will encompass gray literature and peer-reviewed literature in MEDLINE (via Ovid), CINAHL Plus with Full Text (via EBSCOhost), Embase (via Elsevier), APA PsycINFO (via EBSCOhost), Sociology Source Ultimate (via EBSCOhost), and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global. Data extraction will include specific details about the participants, concept, context, study methods, and key caregiver-related findings. The Caregiver Health Model will provide a framework to categorize factors that impact caregivers' memory including caregiver health promotion activities, caregiver attitudes and beliefs, caregiver task, and caregiver needs. Factors that do not fall into the Caregiver Health Model domains will be organized by emerging themes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingyue Wang
- School of Nursing, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Sharron Rushton
- School of Nursing, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Leila Ledbetter
- Duke University Medical Center & Archives, School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Margaret Graton
- Duke University Medical Center & Archives, School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Kimberly Ramos
- Des Moines University, West Des Moines, IA, United States of America
| | - Cristina C. Hendrix
- School of Nursing, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States of America
- GRECC Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States of America
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Turner JR, Hill NL, Brautigam L, Bhargava S, Mogle J. How Does Exposure to Dementia Relate to Subjective Cognition? A Systematic Review. Innov Aging 2023; 7:igad056. [PMID: 37497342 PMCID: PMC10368315 DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igad056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) may be indicative of future objective cognitive decline. However, factors other than objective cognitive performance may influence SCD. This review addresses whether family history or close, nonfamilial exposure to dementia is associated with self-reported SCD. Research Design and Methods Searches were conducted in PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and the Dissertations and Theses database. Eligible articles included measures of self-reported cognition for community-dwelling middle-aged or older adults (40+ years) not diagnosed with dementia, and who had either a family history of dementia, a family member, spouse, or close friend with dementia. The quality of evidence was evaluated using the LEGEND Appraisal Tool. Evidence was synthesized narratively. Results A total of 32 articles were included, with 28 rated as good quality. Across studies, the relationship between dementia exposure and SCD was inconsistent. A significant association between exposure and SCD was found in 6 studies; however, 17 reviewed studies found no evidence of a relationship. The remaining 9 studies found mixed associations. Modifying factors that could potentially influence these associations were exploratorily identified among studies to provide context to our results. These factors included dementia worry, emotional closeness, and measurement sensitivity. Discussion and Implications Findings of this review suggest that both first-degree relatives and spouses of persons with dementia may have an increased likelihood of reporting SCD, although the current heterogeneity in definitions of exposure to dementia and SCD may influence these findings. In addition to the relationship between dementia exposure and SCD, future research should examine potential modifiers, including meaning attributed to exposure, as identifying how these perceptions affect cognition may promote early intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R Turner
- Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center, College of Health and Human Development, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, Hilo, Hawaii, USA
| | - Nikki L Hill
- Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Leslie Brautigam
- Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sakshi Bhargava
- Department of Patient-Centered Outcomes Assessment, RTI Health Solutions, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jacqueline Mogle
- Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center, College of Health and Human Development, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Psychology, College of Behavioral, Social, and Health Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
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Wooten KG, McGuire LC, Olivari BS, Jackson EMJ, Croft JB. Racial and Ethnic Differences in Subjective Cognitive Decline - United States, 2015-2020. MMWR. MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY WEEKLY REPORT 2023; 72:249-255. [PMID: 36893045 PMCID: PMC10010752 DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm7210a1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
Subjective cognitive decline (SCD), the self-reported experience of worsening or more frequent memory loss or confusion, might be a symptom of early-stage dementia or future serious cognitive decline such as Alzheimer disease* or a related dementia (ADRD) (1). Established modifiable risk factors for ADRD include high blood pressure, inadequate physical activity, obesity, diabetes, depression, current cigarette smoking, and hearing loss (2). An estimated 6.5 million persons aged ≥65 years in the United States live with Alzheimer disease, the most common dementia (1). This number is projected to double by 2060, with the largest increase among non-Hispanic Black or African American (Black), and Hispanic or Latino (Hispanic) adults (1,3). Using data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), CDC assessed racial and ethnic, select demographic, and geographical differences in SCD prevalence, and prevalence of health care professional conversations among those reporting SCD. The age-adjusted prevalence of SCD during 2015-2020 was 9.6% among adults aged ≥45 years (5.0% of Asian or Pacific Islander [A/PI] adults, 9.3% of non-Hispanic White [White] adults, 10.1% of Black adults, 11.4% of Hispanic adults, and 16.7% of non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native [AI/AN] adults). College education was associated with a lower prevalence of SCD among all racial and ethnic groups. Only 47.3% of adults with SCD reported that they had discussed confusion or memory loss with a health care professional. Discussing changes in cognition with a physician can allow for the identification of potentially treatable conditions, early detection of dementia, promotion of dementia risk reduction behaviors, and establishing a treatment or care plan to help adults remain healthy and independent for as long as possible.
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Jackson EM, Omura JD, Boring MA, Odom EL, Foster AL, Olivari BS, McGuire LC, Croft JB. Prevalence and Characteristics of Arthritis Among Caregivers — 17 States, 2017 and 2019. MMWR. MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY WEEKLY REPORT 2022; 71:1389-1395. [PMID: 36327155 PMCID: PMC9639441 DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm7144a1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Snead R, Dumenci L, Jones RM. A latent class analysis of cognitive decline in US adults, BRFSS 2015-2020. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1560. [PMID: 35974367 PMCID: PMC9380313 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14001-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive decline can be an early indicator for dementia. Using quantitative methods and national representative survey data, we can monitor the potential burden of disease at the population-level. METHODS BRFSS is an annual, nationally representative questionnaire in the United States. The optional cognitive decline module is a six-item self-reported scale pertaining to challenges in daily life due to memory loss and growing confusion over the past twelve months. Respondents are 45+, pooled from 2015-2020. Latent class analysis was used to determine unobserved subgroups of subjective cognitive decline (SCD) based on item response patterns. Multinomial logistic regression predicted latent class membership from socio-demographic covariates. RESULTS A total of 54,771 reported experiencing SCD. The optimal number of latent classes was three, labeled as Mild, Moderate, and Severe SCD. Thirty-five percent of the sample belonged to the Severe group. Members of this subgroup were significantly less likely to be older (65+ vs. 45-54 OR = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.23-0.35) and more likely to be non-Hispanic Black (OR = 1.80, 95% CI: 1.53-2.11), have not graduated high school (OR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.34-1.91), or earned <$15K a year (OR = 3.03, 95% CI: 2.43-3.77). CONCLUSIONS This study determined three latent subgroups indicating severity of SCD and identified socio-demographic predictors. Using a single categorical indicator of SCD severity instead of six separate items improves the versatility of population-level surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Snead
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
| | - Levent Dumenci
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple University Health System, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Resa M Jones
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple University Health System, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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