Expressed emotion mediates the association between caregiver relationship closeness and psychological symptoms in people with dementia.

Abstract

Aim: This study examines whether expressed emotion (EE) mediates the association between caregiver relationship closeness and behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD).

Methods: We recruited 64 families with dementia in Osaka and collected data for 3 months. Caregiver-patient relationship closeness was assessed using the Relationship Closeness Scale (RCS), and BPSD was measured with the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire (NPI-Q). EE was evaluated using the Family Attitude Scale (FAS).

Results: The results indicated significant correlations between EE, relationship closeness, and BPSD, showing that higher caregiver intimacy levels were associated with lower aggression in dementia people. Mediation analysis revealed that EE significantly and mainly mediated the relationship between RCS and BPSD.

Conclusions: The findings underscore the importance of interventions focused on improving caregiver-patient relationships and managing caregiver emotional expressions to mitigate BPSD. These insights are valuable for developing targeted support programs for dementia care.