Early-onset familial Alzheimer’s disease: do socio-demographic variables differentiate family caregivers on social support, self-efficacy and coping strategies?

Abstract

There is an urgent need to deepen understanding of the particular experience of family caregivers of people with early-onset familial Alzheimer’s disease. In this effort, we aim to identify the socio-demographic variables associated with social support, self-efficacy and coping strategies. Not belonging to the family lineage carrying the disease-causing mutation, having secondary or professional education, and caring for a relative in the early stages of dementia are associated with better coping tools. However, belonging to the family lineage carrying the mutation increases the use of passive coping, escape or emotional discharge, which risks adverse psychological outcomes.