Impact of diagnosed (vs undiagnosed) dementia on family caregiving experiences
- 25 November 2022
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Wiley in Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
- Vol. 71 (4), 1236-1242
- https://doi.org/10.1111/jgs.18155
Abstract
Background Most older adults with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) do not receive a timely formal diagnosis, although formal diagnosis is linked to improved outcomes. Little is known about how a recognized formal diagnosis impacts family caregivers, who provide crucial support for older adults experiencing ADRD. Methods We analyzed 2017 National Health and Aging Trends Study and linked National Study of Caregiving data for a nationally representative sample of 724 (weighted n = 5,431,551) caregivers who assisted an older adult with probable dementia. Probable dementia was determined via previously validated composite measure. We modeled caregiver experiences as a function of recognized formal ADRD diagnosis using weighted, logistic regression and adjusting for the relevant older adult and caregiver characteristics. Results Among caregivers who assisted an older adult with probable dementia, those assisting an individual with recognized formal ADRD diagnosis were significantly more likely to report emotional difficulty (aOR: 1.77; p = 0.03) and family disagreement over the older adult's care (aOR: 5.53; p = 0.03). They were also more likely to assist with communication during doctors' visits (aOR: 9.71; p < 0.001) and to receive caregiving-related training (aOR: 2.59; p = 0.01). Conclusions While a timely ADRD diagnosis may help ensure access to needed supports for older adult and caregiver alike, diagnosis must be linked to support as they navigate resultant complex emotions. Formal diagnosis is linked to caregiver integration with, and support from, the older adult's team of health care providers; therefore, reducing existing disparities in timely diagnosis is necessary to ensure all caregivers have equal access to support.Funding Information
- National Institute on Aging (K23 AG064036, R03 AG063237)
This publication has 29 references indexed in Scilit:
- The Disproportionate Impact Of Dementia On Family And Unpaid Caregiving To Older AdultsHealth Affairs, 2015
- Dementia: timely diagnosis and early interventionBMJ, 2015
- 2015 Alzheimer's disease facts and figuresAlzheimer's & Dementia, 2015
- Understanding the dementia diagnosis: The impact on the caregiving experienceDementia, 2012
- Ethnoracial Differences in the Clinical Characteristics of Alzheimer's Disease at Initial Presentation at an Urban Alzheimer's Disease CenterAmerican Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 2011
- Missed and Delayed Diagnosis of Dementia in Primary CareAlzheimer Disease & Associated Disorders, 2009
- Primary care and dementia: 1. diagnosis, screening and disclosureInternational Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 2009
- Clinical and cost effectiveness of services for early diagnosis and intervention in dementiaInternational Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 2009
- The Cost‐Effectiveness of a Behavior Intervention with Caregivers of Patients with Alzheimer's DiseaseJournal of the American Geriatrics Society, 2007
- Impact of diagnostic disclosure in dementia on patients and carers: Qualitative case series analysisAging & Mental Health, 2006