http://dx.doi.org/10.1159/000164276
pubmed: 18936543
scopus: 53949125866
Frontotemporal dementia: Change of familial caregiver burden and partner relation in a Dutch cohort of 63 patients
November 2008
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Background/Aims: The current study examined the change of caregiver burden and the development of the quality of the partner relation in frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Methods: During a 2-year period, deterioration, behavioural problems, caregiver burden, general psychopathology, quality of life, social support, coping strategies and relationship quality were inspected in 63 FTD caregiver-care recipient dyads. Results: After 2 years patients reached maximum dementia severity with stable Neuropsychiatric Inventory levels. Contrary to expectations, caregiver burden decreased and psychological well-being remained stable. Coping style and social support changed unfavourably. Relationship closeness and getting along were preserved, whereas communication and sharing viewpoint on life were dramatically reduced. Conclusions: FTD caregivers need support in coping with the increasingly hopeless situation of their patients. Future research methods into caregiver burden should address response shift as a means for psychological adjustment. Copyright
- caregiver
- patient
- caregiver burden
- burden
- dementia
- relationship
- 24 months
- study
- baseline
- quality
- month
- symptom
- severity
- health
- score
- nursing home
- dementia severity
- follow-up
- geriatr
- ftd patients
