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Quinn C, Gamble LD, Morris RG, Pentecost C, Rusted JM, Clare L. Longitudinal Trajectories of Stress and Positive Aspects of Dementia Caregiving: Findings From the IDEAL Programme. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2024; 79:gbae097. [PMID: 38814061 PMCID: PMC11226992 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbae097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Understanding what influences changes over time in caregiver well-being is important for the development of effective support. This study explores differences in trajectories of caregiver stress and positive aspects of caregiving (PAC). METHODS Caregivers of community-dwelling individuals with mild-to-moderate dementia at baseline from the IDEAL cohort were interviewed at baseline (n = 1,203), 12 months (n = 917), and 24 months (n = 699). Growth mixture models identified multiple growth trajectories of caregiver stress and PAC in the caregiver population. Associations between study measures and trajectory classes were examined using multinomial logistic regression and mixed-effects models. RESULTS Mean stress scores increased over time. A 4-class solution was identified: a "high" stable class (8.3%) with high levels of stress, a "middle" class (46.1%) with slightly increasing levels of stress, a "low" class (39.5%) with initial low levels of stress which slightly increased over time, and a small "increasing" class (6.1%) where stress level started low but increased at a steeper rate. Mean PAC scores remained stable over time. A 5-class solution was identified: 3 stable classes ("high," 15.2%; "middle," 67.6%; "low" 9.3%), a small "increasing" (3.4%) class, and 1 "decreasing" class (4.5%). For stable classes, positive ratings on study measures tended to be associated with lower stress or higher PAC trajectories and vice versa. Those with "increasing" stress also had worsening trajectories of several study measures including depression, relationship quality, competence, and ability to cope. DISCUSSION The findings highlight the importance of identifying caregivers at risk of increased stress and declining PAC and offering them targeted support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Quinn
- Centre for Applied Dementia Studies, University of Bradford, Bradford, UK
- Wolfson Centre for Applied Health Research, Bradford, UK
| | - Laura D Gamble
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Robin G Morris
- Department of Psychology, King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, UK
| | | | | | - Linda Clare
- University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration South-West Peninsula, Exeter, UK
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Martyr A, Gamble LD, Hunt A, Quinn C, Morris RG, Henderson C, Allan L, Opdebeeck C, Charlwood C, Jones RW, Pentecost C, Kopelman MD, Thom JM, Matthews FE, Clare L. Differences in trajectories of quality of life according to type of dementia: 6-year longitudinal findings from the IDEAL programme. BMC Med 2024; 22:265. [PMID: 38915081 PMCID: PMC11197262 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-024-03492-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with different types of dementia may have distinct symptoms and experiences that affect their quality of life. This study investigated whether quality of life varied across types of dementia and over time. METHODS The participants were 1555 people with mild-to-moderate dementia and 1327 carers from the IDEAL longitudinal cohort study, recruited from clinical services. As many as possible were followed for up to 6 years. Diagnoses included were Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, mixed Alzheimer's and vascular dementia, Parkinson's disease dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, and frontotemporal dementia. Self- and informant-rated versions of the Quality of Life in Alzheimer's Disease scale were used. A joint model, incorporating a mixed effects model with random effects and a survival model to account for dropout, was used to examine whether quality of life varied by dementia type at the time of diagnosis and how trajectories changed over time. RESULTS The strongest associations between dementia type and quality of life were seen around the time of diagnosis. For both self-ratings and informant ratings, people with Parkinson's disease dementia or dementia with Lewy bodies had lower quality of life scores. Over time there was little change in self-rated scores across all dementia types (- 0.15 points per year). Informant-rated scores declined over time (- 1.63 points per year), with the greatest decline seen in ratings by informants for people with dementia with Lewy bodies (- 2.18 points per year). CONCLUSIONS Self-rated quality of life scores were relatively stable over time whilst informant ratings showed a steeper decline. People with Parkinson's disease dementia or dementia with Lewy bodies report particularly low levels of quality of life, indicating the importance of greater attention to the needs of these groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Martyr
- Centre for Research in Ageing and Cognitive Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
| | - Laura D Gamble
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Biomedical Research Building, Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK.
| | - Anna Hunt
- Centre for Research in Ageing and Cognitive Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
| | - Catherine Quinn
- Centre for Applied Dementia Studies, Bradford University, Bradford, UK
- Wolfson Centre for Applied Health Research, Bradford, UK
| | - Robin G Morris
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Catherine Henderson
- Care Policy and Evaluation Centre, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
| | - Louise Allan
- Centre for Research in Ageing and Cognitive Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration South-West Peninsula, Exeter, UK
| | - Carol Opdebeeck
- Department of Psychology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Catherine Charlwood
- Centre for Research in Ageing and Cognitive Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration South-West Peninsula, Exeter, UK
| | - Roy W Jones
- Research Institute for the Care of Older People (RICE), Bath, UK
| | - Claire Pentecost
- Centre for Research in Ageing and Cognitive Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
| | - Michael D Kopelman
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Jeanette M Thom
- School of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Fiona E Matthews
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Biomedical Research Building, Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
- Institute for Clinical and Applied Health Research, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - Linda Clare
- Centre for Research in Ageing and Cognitive Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration South-West Peninsula, Exeter, UK
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Malhotra C, Chaudhry I, Shah SU, Østbye T, Malhotra R. Trajectories of negative and positive experiences of caregiving for older adults with severe dementia: application of group-based multi-trajectory modelling. BMC Geriatr 2024; 24:172. [PMID: 38373922 PMCID: PMC10875866 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-024-04777-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Family caregivers of older adults with severe dementia have negative and positive experiences over the course of caregiving. We aimed to delineate joint trajectories (patterns over time) for negative and positive experiences, identify risk factors associated with membership of joint trajectories, and ascertain the association between joint trajectories and caregivers' outcomes after the death of the older adult. METHODS Two hundred fifteen family caregivers of older adults with severe dementia in Singapore were surveyed every 4 months for 2 years, and 6 months after the death of the older adult. Using group-based multi trajectory modelling, we delineated joint trajectories for positive (Gain in Alzheimer Care Instrument) and negative (sub-scales of modified Caregiver Reaction Assessment) experiences of caregiving. RESULTS We identified four joint trajectories - "very high positive, low negative" (23% of caregivers), "high positive, moderate negative" (28%), "very high positive, moderate negative" (28%), and "high positive, high negative" (21%). Caregivers of older adults with more behavioural symptoms, and who did not receive strong emotional support from family were more likely to have "high positive, moderate negative" or "very high positive, moderate negative" trajectory. Compared to caregivers with "very high positive, low negative" trajectory, caregivers with "very high positive, moderate negative" or "high positive, high negative" trajectories expressed greater grief and distress, with the latter also having lower spiritual well-being and quality of life at 6 months after the death of the older adult. CONCLUSION The caregiving experiences for older adults with severe dementia vary between caregivers but remain stable over time. Modifiable risk factors identified for trajectories involving negative experiences of caregiving may be targeted in future interventions to improve the experience of caregiving and caregiver quality of life and distress after the death of the older adult. TRIAL REGISTRATION http://www. CLINICALTRIALS gov (NCT03382223).
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Grants
- HSR-GEoL16Dec002 Health Services Research Grant, Ministry of Health, Singapore
- HSR-GEoL16Dec002 Health Services Research Grant, Ministry of Health, Singapore
- HSR-GEoL16Dec002 Health Services Research Grant, Ministry of Health, Singapore
- HSR-GEoL16Dec002 Health Services Research Grant, Ministry of Health, Singapore
- HSR-GEoL16Dec002 Health Services Research Grant, Ministry of Health, Singapore
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Affiliation(s)
- Chetna Malhotra
- Lien Centre for Palliative Care, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore, 169857, Singapore.
- Program in Health Services and Systems Research, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Isha Chaudhry
- Lien Centre for Palliative Care, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore, 169857, Singapore
| | - Shimoni Urvish Shah
- Lien Centre for Palliative Care, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore, 169857, Singapore
| | - Truls Østbye
- Program in Health Services and Systems Research, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Rahul Malhotra
- Program in Health Services and Systems Research, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Centre for Ageing Research and Education, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
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Kim H, Engström G, Sadak T, Emami A. Characteristics and Correlates of Perceived Physical and Psychological Health Among Family Caregivers Living With Persons With Advanced Dementia. West J Nurs Res 2024; 46:104-113. [PMID: 38112102 DOI: 10.1177/01939459231217923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Various factors drive a care setting shift from institutional to home settings for dementia care until the latest stage of the disease, suggesting the critical role of family caregivers living with persons with dementia. OBJECTIVES This study explored the characteristics and correlates of self-reported overall physical and psychological (ie, depressive symptoms and stress) health among family caregivers living with persons with dementia in Sweden. METHODS This cross-sectional, descriptive study used baseline data from an existing music-based intervention study of persons with dementia and their family caregivers (N = 76). Multivariable linear regression analyses were performed. RESULTS On average, caregivers (n = 38; mean age: 74.8 years) were slightly younger than persons with dementia (n = 38; mean age: 78.6 years). Most caregivers were female (n = 24; 63.2%) and spouses or partners of persons with dementia (n = 37; 97.4%). Caregivers' perceived relationship with their family members with dementia was the only factor associated with caregivers' self-reported overall physical health (b = -0.655, p = .046). This suggests caregivers' more frequent feeling of a good relationship with the persons with dementia was linked to better self-rated physical health among family caregivers living with persons with dementia. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the importance of family caregivers' perceived relationship with persons with dementia in the context of caregivers' self-reported physical health. Future research is needed to explore the perceived relationship from the perspectives of persons with dementia and the determinants of caregiving dyads' (persons with dementia and family caregivers) perceived relationship with each other.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyejin Kim
- Department of Adult Health and Gerontological Nursing, Rush University College of Nursing, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Gabriella Engström
- School of Education, Health and Social Studies, Dalarna University, Falun, Sweden
| | - Tatiana Sadak
- Yale School of Nursing, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Azita Emami
- Yale School of Nursing, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Division of Occupational Therapy, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences, and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Read S, Hicks B, Budden E, Douglass J, Grahamslaw A, Herrero E, Joseph G, Kirkup C, Pusey M, Russell A, Sondh H, Sondh S, Storey B, Towson G, Baxter K, Birks Y, Brayne C, Colclough C, Dangoor M, Dixon J, Donaghy P, Gridley K, Harris PR, Hu B, King D, Knapp M, Miles E, Mueller C, Perach R, Robinson L, Rusted J, Thomas AJ, Wittenberg R, Banerjee S. Long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the quality of life of people with dementia and their family carers. Age Ageing 2024; 53:afad233. [PMID: 38275095 PMCID: PMC10811518 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afad233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Few studies have longitudinally mapped quality of life (QoL) trajectories of newly diagnosed people with dementia and their carers, particularly during coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). METHODS In a UK cohort study, 261 newly diagnosed people with dementia and 206 family carers were assessed prior to the pandemic (July 2019-March 2020), followed up after the first lockdown (July-October 2020) and then again a year and 2 years later. Latent growth curve modelling examined the level and change of QoL over the four time-points using dementia-specific QoL measures (DEMQOL and C-DEMQOL). RESULTS Despite variations in individual change scores, our results suggest that generally people with dementia maintained their QoL during the pandemic and experienced some increase towards the end of the period. This contrasted with carers who reported a general deterioration in their QoL over the same period. 'Confidence in future' and 'Feeling supported' were the only carer QoL subscales to show some recovery post-pandemic. DISCUSSION It is positive that even during a period of global disruption, decline in QoL is not inevitable following the onset of dementia. However, it is of concern that carer QoL declined during this same period even after COVID-19 restrictions had been lifted. Carers play an invaluable role in the lives of people with dementia and wider society, and our findings suggest that, post-pandemic, they may require greater support to maintain their QoL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanna Read
- Care Policy and Evaluation Centre, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
| | - Ben Hicks
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Centre for Dementia Studies, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | - Emily Budden
- Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Worthing, UK
| | | | | | - Elena Herrero
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Gregory Joseph
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Martha Pusey
- Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Worthing, UK
| | - Alice Russell
- Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Worthing, UK
| | | | - Sharon Sondh
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Bryony Storey
- Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust, Gateshead, UK
| | | | - Kate Baxter
- Social Policy Research Unit, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | - Yvonne Birks
- Social Policy Research Unit, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | - Carol Brayne
- Cambridge Public Health, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Margaret Dangoor
- Care Policy and Evaluation Centre, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
| | - Josie Dixon
- Care Policy and Evaluation Centre, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
| | - Paul Donaghy
- Kings College London, Institute of Psychiatry, London, UK
| | - Kate Gridley
- Social Policy Research Unit, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | - Peter R Harris
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | - Bo Hu
- Care Policy and Evaluation Centre, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
| | - Derek King
- Care Policy and Evaluation Centre, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
| | - Martin Knapp
- Care Policy and Evaluation Centre, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
| | - Eleanor Miles
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | | | - Rotem Perach
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | - Louise Robinson
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
| | | | - Alan J Thomas
- Institute for Ageing, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
| | - Raphael Wittenberg
- Care Policy and Evaluation Centre, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
| | - Sube Banerjee
- Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
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Hockley A, Moll D, Littlejohns J, Collett Z, Henshall C. Do communication interventions affect the quality-of-life of people with dementia and their families? A systematic review. Aging Ment Health 2023; 27:1666-1675. [PMID: 37079782 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2023.2202635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Speech, language and communication difficulties are prevalent in all dementia subtypes and are likely to considerably impact the quality-of-life of people with dementia and their families. Communication interventions provided by trained professionals are recommended for this population, but little is known about their quality-of-life outcomes. This review aims to explore the quality-of-life outcomes of communication-related interventions for people with dementia and their families. METHODS Seven databases were systematically searched. Reference lists from included studies and relevant systematic reviews were also hand-searched. Primary research with quantitative quality-of-life outcomes were included. Narrative analysis was utilised to identify key intervention features and to describe quality-of-life outcomes. RESULTS 1,174 studies were identified. Twelve studies were eligible for inclusion. Studies were heterogeneous in location, participant group, methodologies, interventions and outcome measures. Four studies reported increased quality-of-life for people with dementia following intervention. No studies reported increased quality-of-life for family members. CONCLUSION Further research is needed in this area. The studies which reported improved quality-of-life involved multi-disciplinary approaches to intervention, involvement of family caregivers, and functional communication intervention. However, data is limited so results should be interpreted with caution. The standardised use of a communication-focused quality-of-life outcome measure would improve sensitivity and comparability of future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Hockley
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Deborah Moll
- Research and Development, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Jemima Littlejohns
- Research and Development, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Zoe Collett
- Research and Development, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Catherine Henshall
- Research and Development, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Institute for Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Research, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK
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Hillman A, Jones IR, Quinn C, Pentecost C, Stapley S, Charlwood C, Clare L. The precariousness of living with, and caring for people with, dementia: Insights from the IDEAL programme. Soc Sci Med 2023; 331:116098. [PMID: 37480697 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
This paper uses precarity as a framework to understand the vulnerabilities experienced by those living with or caring for someone living with dementia. Drawing on qualitative interview data from the Improving the Experience of Dementia and Enhancing Active Life (IDEAL) programme, we attend to our participants' reflections on how they manage the condition and the wider circumstances in which this occurs. To interrogate the utility of precarity, we focus on our participants' descriptions of needs and challenges and set these alongside both the wider contexts in which they seek or offer care (formal and informal) and the sets of values attributed to different ways of living with dementia. Building on the work of Portacolone, our analysis identified four interconnected themes: uncertainty; experiences of support and services; independence and personhood; and cumulative pressures and concerns. We develop this analysis by reviewing how our themes reflect, extend, or depart from previously identified markers of precarity and consider the specific ways in which these markers shape the lives of those living with dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Hillman
- Wellcome Centre for Cultures & Environments of Health, University of Exeter, Queen's Building, Streatham Campus, EX4 4QJ, UK.
| | - I R Jones
- Institute for Social and Economic Research and Data (WISERD), Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.
| | - C Quinn
- Centre for Applied Dementia Studies, University of Bradford, Bradford, UK.
| | - C Pentecost
- The Centre for Research in Ageing and Cognitive Health, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK.
| | - S Stapley
- The Centre for Research in Ageing and Cognitive Health, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK.
| | - C Charlwood
- The Centre for Research in Ageing and Cognitive Health, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK.
| | - L Clare
- The Centre for Research in Ageing and Cognitive Health, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK.
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Hunt A, Martyr A, Gamble LD, Morris RG, Thom JM, Pentecost C, Clare L. The associations between personality traits and quality of life, satisfaction with life, and well-being over time in people with dementia and their caregivers: findings from the IDEAL programme. BMC Geriatr 2023; 23:354. [PMID: 37280511 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-04075-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cross-sectional evidence indicates that certain personality traits may influence how well people with dementia and their caregivers are able to live alongside the condition. However, no studies to date have explored these associations longitudinally. The present study aimed to explore whether each of the Five-Factor personality traits were associated with change over two years in perceptions of 'living well' for people with dementia and their caregivers. 'Living well' was conceptualized as a composite of quality of life, satisfaction with life, and subjective well-being. METHODS Data were analyzed from 1487 people with dementia and 1234 caregivers who took part in the IDEAL cohort. Participants were categorized into low, medium, and high groups for each trait using stanine scores. Latent growth curve models investigated associations between these groups and 'living well' scores for each trait at baseline and at 12 and 24 months. Covariates included cognition in people with dementia and stress in caregivers. A Reliable Change Index was calculated against which to evaluate changes in 'living well' scores over time. RESULTS At baseline, neuroticism was negatively associated with 'living well' scores for people with dementia, while conscientiousness, extraversion, openness, and agreeableness were positively associated. For caregivers, neuroticism was negatively associated with 'living well' scores at baseline while conscientiousness and extraversion were positively associated. 'Living well' scores were mostly stable over time with no influence of personality traits on observed changes. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that personality traits, particularly neuroticism, have a meaningful impact on how people with dementia and caregivers rate their capability to 'live well' at baseline. Over time 'living well' scores for each personality trait group were largely stable. Studies utilizing longer follow-up periods and more appropriate measures of personality are needed to corroborate and extend the findings of the present study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Hunt
- Centre for Research in Ageing and Cognitive Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
| | - Anthony Martyr
- Centre for Research in Ageing and Cognitive Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK.
| | - Laura D Gamble
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
| | - Robin G Morris
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Jeanette M Thom
- School of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Claire Pentecost
- Centre for Research in Ageing and Cognitive Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
| | - Linda Clare
- Centre for Research in Ageing and Cognitive Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration South-West Peninsula, Exeter, UK
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