Effects of the Minnesota Adaptation of the NYU Caregiver Intervention on Depressive Symptoms and Quality of Life for Adult Child Caregivers of Persons with Dementia

Joseph E Gaugler, Mark Reese, Mary S Mittelman, Joseph E Gaugler, Mark Reese, Mary S Mittelman

Abstract

Objectives: This study determined whether the NYU Caregiver Intervention for Adult Children (the NYUCI-AC) significantly reduced depressive symptoms and improved quality of life for adult child caregivers of persons with dementia.

Methods: The NYUCI-AC was evaluated within a single-blinded randomized controlled trial. The sample included 107 adult child caregivers of persons with dementia (N = 54 assigned to the multi-component treatment group; N = 53 assigned to a contact control group). Participants completed comprehensive assessments every 4 months during the first year and every 6 months thereafter for at least 2 years and up to 3.79 years.

Results: Individual growth curve models found that caregivers in the NYUCI-AC treatment condition indicated statistically significant (p <0.05) curvilinear decreases in symptoms of depression indicating withdrawal, apathy, and lack of vigor and increases in perceptions of overall quality of life over a 3-year period in comparison to control caregivers.

Conclusions: The NYUCI-AC offered adult child caregivers the capacity, via individual and family counseling as well as ongoing support, to enhance their quality of life and overcome their social withdrawal and apathy over time. These findings lend additional support to the NYUCI as an evidence-based approach to support family caregivers of persons with dementia.

Keywords: Alzheimer disease; caregiving; depression.