Study highlights mental health risks for dementia caregivers

A longitudinal study led by researcher Claudia Miranda at Universidad Andrés Bello reveals that family caregivers of individuals living with dementia face increasing levels of depression and anxiety over time. The research, funded by ANID-FONDECYT, tracked 300 caregivers in Latin America, finding that symptoms worsen when the medical and physical needs of the patient remain unmet.

The study noted that the majority of caregivers are women (78.9%), with an average age of approximately 59 years. Most caregivers are the children or spouses of the patients, highlighting the heavy reliance on immediate family members for long-term care.

In advanced stages of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s, caregivers must also manage complex physical needs. Experts emphasize the importance of preventing pressure sores and managing physical discomfort caused by immobility, which requires constant monitoring of skin integrity and frequent postural changes to ensure patient comfort.