Dementia Care Research and Psychosocial Factors

Caring for a person with dementia presents significant physical, emotional, and psychological challenges. Understanding the interplay between the functional independence of the person with dementia and caregiver-related factors such as burden, well-being, and self-efficacy is crucial for developing effective support interventions. This study explores key predictors of caregiver burden and efficacy using baseline data from a mixed experimental-control cohort.

A secondary data analysis was conducted using baseline measures from a dementia caregiving study. Correlation and regression analyses were performed to examine the relationships between the functional independence of the person with dementia and caregiver-related factors, including well-being, burden, and self-efficacy. Additional variables, including service use and social support, were assessed for their contribution to caregiving outcomes.

Caregiver burden was strongly associated with caregiver well-being, indicating that caregivers with lower mental well-being experience higher perceived burden. The functional independence of the person with dementia alone was not a strong predictor of caregiver burden, suggesting that caregiver distress is influenced more by psychological and social factors than by the care recipient's physical function. Caregiving efficacy was moderately associated with well-being and negatively linked to burden, suggesting that caregivers with greater well-being feel more confident in their caregiving role. Additional factors, including service use, social support, and caregiving frequency, contributed to explaining variations in caregiver burden, highlighting the importance of multi-dimensional support.

Caregiver burden is not solely determined by the functional status of the person with dementia but is strongly linked to caregiver psychological well-being, support systems, and perceived efficacy. Interventions targeting caregiver mental health, structured support networks, and access to resources may be key in reducing burden and improving caregiving confidence. Future research should explore longitudinal trends and intervention-based strategies to enhance caregiver resilience.