Determinants of quality of life in family caregivers in MCI: a comparison with mild dementia

Eva Y. L. Tan*, Niels Janssen, Ron Handels, Inez H. G. B. Ramakers, Frans R. J. Verhey, Wiesje M. van der Flier, Rene J. F. Melis, Marcel G. M. Olde Rikkert, Jos M. G. A. Schols, Marjolein E. de Vugt

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

ObjectivesThe aim of the current study was to investigate the health-related quality of life (HRQol) of the family caregiver in MCI, explore possible determinants and study possible differences with mild dementia.MethodsThis secondary data analysis included 145 persons with MCI and 154 persons with dementia and their family caregivers from two Dutch cohort studies. HRQoL was measured with the VAS of the EuroQol-5D-3L version. Regressions analyses were conducted to examine potential demographic and clinical determinants of the caregiver's HRQoL.ResultsThe mean EQ5D-VAS in family caregivers of persons with MCI was 81.1 (SD 15.7), and did not significantly differ from family caregivers in mild dementia (81.9 (SD 13.0)). In MCI, patient measurements were not significantly associated with caregiver mean EQ5D-VAS. Concerning caregiver characteristics, being a spouse and a lower educational level were associated with a lower mean EQ5D-VAS (in a multiple linear regression model: unstandardized B -8.075, p = 0.013 and unstandardized B -6.162, p = 0.037 resp.). In mild dementia, the NPI item irritability showed an association with caregiver EQ5D-VAS in bivariate linear regression analyses.ConclusionResults indicate that especially family caregiver characteristics seem to influence family caregiver HRQoL in MCI. Future research should include other potential determinants such as burden, coping strategies and relationship quality.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1983-1989
Number of pages7
JournalAging & Mental Health
Volume27
Issue number10
Early online date1 May 2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 3 Oct 2023

Keywords

  • Mild cognitive impairment
  • dementia
  • family caregiver
  • quality of life
  • EQ5D-VAS
  • COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT
  • NEUROPSYCHIATRIC SYMPTOMS
  • INFORMAL CAREGIVERS
  • BURDEN
  • PEOPLE
  • INTERVENTIONS
  • INSTRUMENT
  • CARERS

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