Dementia care and the mental health implications for the caregiver : a comparison between caring for persons with dementia and caring for the cognitively intact persons

Abstract

As a result of global demographic changes, the population is ageing. Due to this increase in longevity dementia has become one of the most important socio-medical and public health challenges. This is increasing the need for informal and formal caregivers. Purpose and objectives: The main purpose of the critical appraisal was to compare the susceptibility for mental health problems when caring for persons with dementia (PwD) with cognitively intact persons. The PICO framework was used when formulating the research question: “Are caregivers (population) more susceptible to develop mental health (outcome) problems when caring for PwD (intervention) compared to when caring for cognitively intact persons (comparison)? Method: Several databases were searched for the relevant literature which satisfied the PICO question as was explained in chapter 2. The search included databases that were available at the University of Malta library such as MEDLINE, CINAHL and HyDI. PubMed and Google Scholar were also utilised. The selected literature included two systematic reviews, three cross-sectional designs and one explorative study with cross-sectional design. The six studies selected were critically appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Tool (CASP) programme. Results and conclusion: Caring for a person with dementia includes hardship and burden for both the informal and formal caregiver. Regardless of the caregivers`category-type the appraisal underscored that their mental health status is affected. This is due to the amalgamation of the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) and communication deficits. Recommendation and implications for practice: Caring for a person living with dementia requires specialised care. Training must be incorporated to lessen the effects on the mental status of the caregivers within their role. Local studies are required to investigate this phenomenon so as to formulate recommendations for better management and to safeguard the mental health of the caregivers.