Associations Between Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias and Depressive Symptoms of Partner Caregivers. (July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Harris, Melissa L.; Titler, Marita G.; Hoffman, Geoffrey J.
• Other Names: Ornstein Katherine guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of applied gerontology. Volume 40:Number 7(2021)
• Page Start: 772
• Page End: 780
• Publication Date: 2021-07
• Subjects: Alzheimer's disease -- caregiving -- dementia -- depression -- quantitative methods; Gerontology -- Periodicals; 362.6
• DOI: 10.1177/0733464820952252
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0733-4648

Abstract

Family members—mainly spouses and partners—are the primary caregivers for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRDs), chronic progressive illnesses requiring increasing levels of care. We performed a retrospective observational analysis comparing depressive symptoms of 16, 650 older individuals with partners without ADRDs, and those recently (within 2 years) or less recently diagnosed (≥2 years prior), controlling for lagged sociodemographic and health characteristics. The mean number of reported depressive symptoms was 1.2 ( SD = 1.8). Compared with respondents with partners with no ADRD, having a partner with any ADRD was associated with a 0.35 increase (95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.30, 0.41]), or 30% increase, in depressive symptoms. A less recent partner diagnosis was associated with a 33% increase, while a recent diagnosis was associated with a 27% increase. Clinically meaningful and longitudinally worsening depressive symptoms amplify the need to prioritize partner health and family-centered care following an ADRD diagnosis.