Effects of supporting patients with dementia: A study with dyads

PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine the factors associated with the development of higher burden in informal caregivers of patients with dementia, using dyadic data. DESIGN AND METHODS: Seventy-two dyads of patients with dementia and their informal caregivers were assessed, the former in terms of behavioral-psychological symptoms and autonomy, the latter in terms of burden and individual needs. FINDINGS: Caregivers at risk for developing higher burden are those who are female, whose care recipient present psychiatric symptoms and lower autonomy, and those who recognize the need for more information/support. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Interventions should offer caregivers the tools to provide care, maintaining their psychological well-being. Interventions should target not only common aspects of caregiver burden but also the specificities of caring for a person with dementia.