J Korean Geriatr Psychiatry.  2000 Jun;4(1):34-38.

Stress and Morbidity in Dementia Caregivers

• Kim YH

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease and other dementias are common degenerative disorders in the elderly. Most dementia patients are cared for at home by family members. Although caregiving is associated with significant psychological and physical morbidity of caregivers, there are wide individual differences among caregivers in how well they are adapt to caregiving demands. Recent data suggest that caregiver variables can be important determinants of dementia patients' institutionalization and that dementia patients living with highly distressed caregivers may exhibit higher frequencies of behavioral problems and agitation than those living with less distressed caregivers. Caregiver stress may be reduced with special attention paid to the treatment and management of behavioral and functional symptoms in dementia patient. Caregiver education and coping skills should also be emphasized to reduce caregiver's stress and morbidity.

Keyword

Dementia caregiver; Stress; Morbidity

MeSH Terms

Adaptation, Psychological
Aged
Alzheimer Disease
Caregivers*
Dementia*
Dihydroergotamine
Education
Humans
Individuality
Institutionalization
Dihydroergotamine