Primary and Secondary Caregivers of People with Dementia (PwD): Differential Patterns and Implications for Psychological Support

Abstract

Very little attention has been paid to identifying the differential characteristics of primary and secondary dementia caregivers. The aims of this study were: to determine whether differences exist between primary and secondary caregivers of people with dementia (PwD) and to explore the profile of primary and secondary caregivers reporting symptoms of anxiety and/or depression. The participants were 146 caregivers of PwD, 73 primary caregivers and 73 secondary caregivers. The results revealed different patterns for each type of caregiver. Primary caregivers showed a more negative profile in terms of poorer self-rated health and higher levels of anxiety and depression: 61.6% of primary and 42.5% of secondary caregivers reported symptoms of anxiety, and 24.7% and 11% reported depression, respectively. The frequency of problem behavior, subjective burden, health, and the comorbidity between anxiety and depression were associated with depression and anxiety among primary caregivers, whereas gender (being a woman), subjective burden, health, and the comorbidity between anxiety and depression were associated among secondary caregivers. These findings may help to guide professionals in targeting psychological support programs and customizing the strategies and skills that need to be provided in accordance with the type of caregiver in question: primary or secondary. The practical implications of the findings are discussed.