Psychological distress in carers of dementia sufferers

This study compares dementia sufferers and their carers referred to an old age psychiatry service with a non-referred group from the same community. It examines the level of stress in the carer with the age and sex of the carer, and with the degree of physical disability and cognitive impairment in the person with dementia. There was no difference between the two groups in the prevalence of stress but overall 65% of carers experienced significant levels of stress. Females and younger carers were more likely to experience stress. Stress in the carer was associated with high levels of physical disability but not with the degree of cognitive impairment. This study shows that considerable psychological distress occurs among carers of those with dementia in the community. If government policy of maintaining people with dementia in the community is to be pursued, measures to relieve carers must be included when planning services for this vulnerable group.