Cognitive functioning in spousal caregivers of dementia patients: findings from the prospective MAASBED study

Vugt, Marjolein E. de; Jolles, Jelle; Osch, Liesbeth van; Stevens, Fred; Aalten, Pauline; Lousberg, Richel; Verhey, Frans R.J.

doi:10.1093/ageing/afj044

Cited by 88 publications

(114 citation statements)

References 20 publications

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“…These results are consistent with one previous study (Leipold et al, 2008), but conflict with other studies that found poorer cognitive functioning in spouse caregivers versus married noncaregivers (Caswell et al, 2003; de Vugt et al, 2006; Vitaliano et al, 2009). Our secondary analyses restricted to spouse caregivers and married noncaregivers confirmed the findings in the overall sample that continuous caregivers performed better than noncaregivers.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 88%

“…For example, longer duration of caregiving was positively associated with increases in cognitive complexity (complex thought) among caregivers to persons with dementia (Leipold et al, 2008). However, some studies found that caregivers to a spouse performed worse (Caswell et al, 2003; de Vugt et al, 2006; Vitaliano et al, 2009), or declined more (Vitaliano et al, 2005) in cognitive functioning than married noncaregivers, but these associations disappeared when adjusted for psychological or metabolic variables (Caswell et al, 2003; Vitaliano et al, 2005; Vitaliano et al, 2009). Other studies found different associations between caregiving and cognitive status depending on the measure used (de Vugt et al, 2006; Lee et al, 2004; Mackenzie, Smith, Hasher, Leach, & Behl, 2007).…”

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confidence: 99%

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Caregiving and Cognitive Function in Older Women

et al. 2011

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Objectives Recent findings of better health outcomes in older caregivers than noncaregivers suggest a healthy caregiver hypothesis (HCH) model may be more appropriate than the stress process model for evaluating the health effects of caregiving. In a cross-sectional study, we tested the HCH on two cognitive domains: verbal memory and processing speed. Method Participants from the Caregiver Study of Osteoporotic Fractures who had a 2-year follow-up interview were categorized as continuous caregivers (n = 194), former caregivers (n = 148), or continuous noncaregivers (n = 574). The Hopkins Verbal Learning Test (HVLT; memory) and Digit Symbol Substitution Task (DSST; processing speed) were administered at the follow-up interview. Results Continuous caregivers had better memory performance and processing speed than continuous noncaregivers: adjusted mean scores for HVLT were 18.38 versus 15.80 (p < .0001), and for DSST were 35.91 versus 34.38 (p = .09). Discussion Results support the HCH model for cognitive outcomes in older women caregivers; however, the relationship may be domain specific.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 88%

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confidence: 99%

Caregiving and Cognitive Function in Older Women

et al. 2011

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“…A comparison group of patients with late-onset dementia (LOD) was selected from a 2-year follow-up cohort study with LOD patients, the MAASBED study (Maastricht Study of Behavior in Dementia) [23], which had a similar design, assessment measures and diagnostic criteria as the NeedYD study. In the MAASBED study, patients with dementia were included irrespective of the diagnostic subtype.…”

Section: Subjectsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prevalence of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Young-Onset Compared to Late-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease – Part 1: Findings of the Two-Year Longitudinal NeedYD-Study

Vliet

Vugt

Aalten

et al. 2012

Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord

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Background/Aims: Knowledge about neuropsychiatric symptoms in young-onset Alzheimer’s disease (YO-AD) is scarce, but essential to establish a prognosis and plan care for YO-AD patients. The aim of this study is to assess frequency parameters of neuropsychiatric symptoms in YO-AD over 2 years and investigate whether there are differences compared with late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (LO-AD). Methods: 98 YO-AD and 123 LO-AD patients and caregivers from two prospective cohort studies were included and assessed every 6 months for 2 years, using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory to evaluate neuropsychiatric symptoms. Results: Over the course of 2 years, the incidence, prevalence and persistence of neuropsychiatric symptoms were in general lower in YO-AD than in LO-AD, specifically for delusions, agitation, depression, anxiety, apathy, irritability and aberrant motor behavior. Frequency of individual symptoms showed large variability in both groups. Within the group of YO-AD patients, apathy was the most prevalent symptom. Conclusion: Neuropsychiatric symptoms, notably apathy, should be paid appropriate attention to in the diagnosis and treatment of YO-AD patients. Further research is needed to gain insight into the mechanisms underlying the differences in neuropsychiatric symptoms between YO-AD and LO-AD.

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“…For example, older adult caregivers have been found to experience greater declines in cognitive functioning over time as compared with matched controls (de Vugt et al, 2006;Vitaliano et al, 2009). Whether some of the biological correlates of chronic stress and aging noted earlier, which may also affect changes in cognitive functioning over time, account for greater risk of cognitive decline in caregivers versus controls is presently unknown.…”

Section: Cognitive and Physical Functioningmentioning

confidence: 99%

Stress and Aging: A Biological Double Jeopardy?

Gruenewald¹,

Seeman²

2010

annu rev gerontol geriatr

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Chronic stress may take its toll on the body at any period in the life course, but age may be linked to characteristics of stressor exposure and response, as well as underlying biological vulnerabilities, which modulate the effects of stressor experience on biological well-being. In this review, we fi rst address age-related patterns of stressor exposure and response, highlighting commonly experienced stressors in older adults and characteristics of stressor appraisal and coping in later life. We then review patterns of biological functioning associated with chronic stress experience and aging in an effort to highlight the biological commonalities associated with both conditions. We conclude with an examination of the idea that the biological changes typically observed with advancing age may render older adults more susceptible to negative biological and health consequences of chronic stress experience.

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Cognitive functioning in spousal caregivers of dementia patients: findings from the prospective MAASBED study

Abstract: The results indicate that screening for cognitive impairment of spousal caregivers may be helpful, because suboptimal cognitive functioning may affect the ability to provide adequate care.

Cited by 88 publications

References 20 publications

Caregiving and Cognitive Function in Older Women

Caregiving and Cognitive Function in Older Women

Prevalence of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Young-Onset Compared to Late-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease – Part 1: Findings of the Two-Year Longitudinal NeedYD-Study

Stress and Aging: A Biological Double Jeopardy?

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