Determinants of quality of life in family caregivers in MCI: a comparison with mild dementia

ObjectivesThe aim of the current study was to investigate the health-related quality of life (HRQol) of the family caregiver in MCI, explore possible determinants and study possible differences with mild dementia.MethodsThis secondary data analysis included 145 persons with MCI and 154 persons with dementia and their family caregivers from two Dutch cohort studies. HRQoL was measured with the VAS of the EuroQol-5D-3L version. Regressions analyses were conducted to examine potential demographic and clinical determinants of the caregiver's HRQoL.ResultsThe mean EQ5D-VAS in family caregivers of persons with MCI was 81.1 (SD 15.7), and did not significantly differ from family caregivers in mild dementia (81.9 (SD 13.0)). In MCI, patient measurements were not significantly associated with caregiver mean EQ5D-VAS. Concerning caregiver characteristics, being a spouse and a lower educational level were associated with a lower mean EQ5D-VAS (in a multiple linear regression model: unstandardized B -8.075, p = 0.013 and unstandardized B -6.162, p = 0.037 resp.). In mild dementia, the NPI item irritability showed an association with caregiver EQ5D-VAS in bivariate linear regression analyses.ConclusionResults indicate that especially family caregiver characteristics seem to influence family caregiver HRQoL in MCI. Future research should include other potential determinants such as burden, coping strategies and relationship quality.

Automated summary

The objective of this study was to investigate the health-related quality of life (HRQol) of family caregivers of individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and to explore possible determinants and differences compared to caregivers of individuals with mild dementia. The study found no significant difference in HRQoL between family caregivers of individuals with MCI and mild dementia. However, caregiver characteristics, such as being a spouse and having a lower educational level, were associated with lower HRQoL.