The relationship between daily stressors, social support, depression and anxiety among dementia family caregivers: a micro-longitudinal study

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the relationships between daily stress, social support, and the mental health of dementia family caregivers.

Methods: A national sample of family caregivers (N = 165) completed daily diary surveys over 21 days (n = 2,841). Mixed-level models were used to examine the daily odds of experiencing depression and anxiety-related symptoms when risk factors, such as the stress of managing behavioral symptoms of dementia (BSDs) exhibited by the person living with dementia, and protective factors, such as social support, were reported on a given day.

Results: Dementia caregivers were more likely to report depression and anxiety-related symptoms when BSDs were present and perceived as more bothersome than usual. Specific BSDs, including restless behaviors and intense emotions, were also found to increase the daily odds of experiencing depression and anxiety symptoms. The daily odds of depression symptoms decreased on days when caregivers reported receiving instrumental support, while the daily odds of anxiety symptoms increased on days when caregivers reported receiving emotional support.

Conclusions: The daily odds of experiencing depression and anxietyvary based on the presence of specific BSDs and social support. These findings support the need for targeted interventions to improve the day-to-day well-being of dementia family caregivers.

Keywords:

• Behavioral symptoms of dementia
• caregiving
• social support
• dementia
• depression
• anxiety
• daily diary

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the study participants for sharing their personal experiences caring for a relative with dementia.

Disclosure statement

The authors have no potential conflict of interest to report.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the NIA under Grants R01AG060083 and R01AG060083-01S1.