Relationship Matters in Dementia Caregiving: A Comparative Study in West Bengal, India

Numerous studies have revealed that adverse health issues are common in demented caregivers; however, less is known about the health consequences of spouse caregivers. The purpose of this study was to compare the psychological health of spousal and non-spousal caregivers of demented individuals. In addition, it also examined the association and strength of the relationship between spouse and non-spousal caregivers’ socio-economic condition. This was a cross-sectional study that included 136 caregivers of demented individuals. Among them, 55.89% (n = 76) were a spouse. The findings suggest that spousal caregivers who care for their demented spouse feel higher anxiety and depressive symptoms as compared with non-spousal caregivers. Socio-demographic factors were shown to be an important predictor of spousal caregivers’ mental health condition. The findings of this study have major policy implications owing to the predicted increase in demand for caregivers, especially spousal caregivers, as the incidence rate of dementia rises over time. It is essential that we endorse not only the health of the care-recipient but also the spousal caregiver as well. We believe that improving access to caregivers’ respite programs would benefit spousal caregivers.