Problem-solving therapy reduces subjective burden levels in caregivers of family members with mild cognitive impairment or early-stage dementia: Secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Objectives: Interventions addressing burden have limited impact among long-term family caregivers. We examined whether problem-solving therapy (PST) would reduce burden levels of caregivers of individuals diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or early-stage dementia (AD).

Methods: Caregivers (N = 73) randomly received PST or nutritional training (NT). Burden measures were assessed over 1-year post-intervention.

Results: Relative to NT, caregivers receiving PST endorsed improved perceived burden levels over time, regardless of the type of caregiver. Distress over the care recipient's dementia-related behaviors remained low over time among MCI caregivers receiving PST, while these burden levels among MCI caregivers receiving NT rose over time. AD caregivers receiving PST endorsed reductions in these burden levels over time, while AD caregivers in the NT group endorsed higher burden levels over time.

Conclusion: PST, taught early in the caregiving trajectory, improves subjective burden levels among caregivers of family members with relatively mild cognitive deficits.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00321971.

Keywords: caregiver burden; dementia; family caregiving; mild cognitive impairment; problem-solving therapy.

Conflict of interest statement

No disclosures to report

© 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Figures

Figure C1:

Average Task-Related Responsibilities by Type of Caregiver, over Time (PST n = 36, NT n = 37)

Figure C2:

Average Levels of Lifestyle Constraints by Type of Caregiver, over Time (PST n = 36, NT n = 37)

Figure C3:

Average Number of Dementia-Related Behaviors Causing Caregiver Distress by Type of Caregiver, over Time (PST n = 36, NT n = 37)

Figure C4:

Average Levels of Perceived Caregiver Burden by Type of Caregiver, over Time (PST n = 36, NT n = 37)