CAREGIVER STRESS, BURDEN, AND ASSOCIATED DIFFICULTIES
AS A RESULT OF LEWY BODY DEMENTIA
Open Access
Author:
Leggett, Amanda Noel
Graduate Program:
Human Development and Family Studies
Degree:
Master of Science
Document Type:
Master Thesis
Date of Defense:
October 28, 2009
Committee Members:
Steven Howard Zarit, Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor Steven Howard Zarit, Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor
Keywords:
Activities of Daily Living Medical Care Behavioral and Emotional Problems Burden Caregiving Lewy Body Dementia Zarit Burden Interview
Abstract:
People with Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) present a unique set of symptoms and challenges to family caregivers compared to other types of dementia. Prominent difficulties include motor impairment, ADL disability, and recurrent behavioral and emotional problems (BEP), and unique medical care and diagnostic difficulties. These problems are likely to impact caregivers’ subjective burden. The present study used data from an internet survey conducted by the Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA). Respondents were 611 people who indicated they were currently involved in the care of their relative with LBD. Subjective burden was assessed with a 12-item short version of the Zarit Burden Interview (BI). A factor analysis revealed three dimensions: role strain, personal strain, and worry about performance. Multiple regressions were used to examine predictors of the three burden factors. We found that BEPs (summed and specific), ADL disability, isolation, and evaluation of the doctor were all significant predictors of specific factors. Formal service use had no significant associations with burden, but levels of use were low. These findings highlight the impact of BEPs, ADL assistance, awareness about LBD, and comprehensive medical care on subjective burden.