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Dyadic influences on awareness of condition in people with dementia: findings from the IDEAL cohort
Alexander, C.M. Martyr, A. Gamble, L.D. Pentecost, C. Morris, R.G. Clare, L.
Alexander, C.M.
Martyr, A.
Gamble, L.D.
Pentecost, C.
Morris, R.G.
Clare, L.
Publication Date
2023-12
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© 2023 The Authors. This is an Open Access article distributed under the Creative Commons CC-BY license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
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Yes
Open Access status
openAccess
Accepted for publication
2023-11-20
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Abstract
The discrepancy between caregiver-ratings and self-ratings
of abilities is commonly used to assess awareness in people with dementia.
We investigated the contribution of caregiver and dyadic characteristics to the
difference in perspective between caregiver-informants and people with dementia
about difficulties experienced, when considering awareness of condition.
Methods: We conducted exploratory cross-sectional analyses using data from
the IDEAL cohort. Participants were 1,038 community-dwelling people with
mild-to-moderate dementia, and coresident spouse/partner caregivers. The
Representations and Adjustment to Dementia Index (RADIX) checklist reporting
difficulties commonly experienced in dementia was completed by 960 caregiver-informants and 989 people with dementia. Difference in scores was calculated
for 916 dyads. Demographic information, cognition, informant-rated functional
ability and neuropsychiatric symptoms were recorded for the person with
dementia. Self-reported data were collected on mood, comorbidity, religion,
importance of religion, relationship quality, and caregiver stress.
Results: For most dyads, caregivers reported more RADIX difficulties than people
with dementia. Caregiver RADIX ratings were more closely associated with
informant-rated functional ability and neuropsychiatric symptoms than with
cognition. More RADIX difficulties and higher stress were reported by female
caregivers. Greater RADIX difference was associated with more caregiver stress,
and older age but less depression in people with dementia.
Conclusion: Few dyadic characteristics were important, but caregiver stress was
higher where caregivers reported more RADIX difficulties and/or the difference in
perspective was greater, whereas partners with dementia reported better mood.
In addition to offering information about awareness of condition, the caregiver
rating and difference in perspectives could indicate where more support is
needed.
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Published version
Citation
Alexander CM, Martyr A, Gamble LD et al (2023) Dyadic influences on awareness of condition in people with dementia: Findings from the IDEAL cohort. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience. 15: 1277336.
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Article