Does Caring for a Spouse with Dementia Promote Cognitive Decline? A Hypothesis and Proposed Mechanisms

Abstract

This research has important implications because it considers modifiable risk factors for dementia that, if unchecked, may compromise the lives of CGs and their ability to function. It is hoped that an understanding of such stress-mediator-cognitive processes will help clinicians, researchers, policy-makers, and stakeholders mitigate what may be characterized as an "ironic tragedy"-dementia in both members of the caregiving dyad-if left unchecked.

Cognitive reserve and self-efficacy as moderators of the relationship between stress exposure and executive functioning among spousal dementia caregivers

“…These findings are in line with Vitaliano et al's (2011) model of CG stress and cognitive functioning. There was no evidence that greater stress exposure was directly associated with executive functioning; the findings therefore highlight the role of CGs' subjective interpretation of potential stressors.…”

Child problem behaviours are associated with obesity in parents caring for children with developmental disabilities

“…However, what is hard to explain is why these problem behaviours are associated with obesity in these parents. Some have argued that caregivers tend to shift their eating habits when they are stressed and under pressure and are more likely to eat fast food (Vitaliano, Murphy, Young, Echeverria, & Borson, 2011); a finding supported by others (Mochari-Greenberger & Mosca, 2012).…”

Informal caregiving, work-privacy conflict and burnout among health professionals in Switzerland - a cross-sectional study

“…A body of research has shown that the stress of family caregiving for people with dementia is associated with high emotional strain, poor physical health outcomes, and increased mortality. There is also evidence that spouses are at increased risk of dementia themselves, 51 and significantly more likely to experience increased frailty over time, as compared to non-dementia caregivers.…”