Study of caregiver stress among carers of patients of cognitive impairment: An observational study from memory clinic of AIIMS, India.

Introduction: Caregiver burden arises as a natural response to the stress associated with caregiving, encompassing a wide range of psychological, physical, social, and financial challenges. The aim of this study is to evaluate the extent of caregiver burden experienced by carers of cognitively impaired patients and the coping strategies employed by the caregivers.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between January 2019 and March 2020 in the memory clinic of the Department of Geriatric Medicine and 116 patients aged ≥60 years with cognitive complaints and their caregivers were recruited. Addenbrooke's cognitive examination III (ACE-III)-Hindi version was used to define subjective cognitive impairment (SCI), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and major neurocognitive disorder (MNCD). Caregiver stress was assessed using the Kingston caregiver stress scale (KCSS), and the coping behaviour assessment scale was used to identify caregiver coping strategies.

Results: Among 116 patients, 46 (39.66%) had SCI, 20 (17.24%) had MCI, and 50 (43.10%) had MNCD. The caregivers' mean age was 47.82 ± 12.95, and 68 (58.62%) were male. Eighty-eight (75.86%) of them reported caregiver stress, and 85 (73.28%), 28 (24.14%), and 51 (43.97%) had caregiving, family, and financial issues. The presence of caregiver stress was significantly higher in MCND (RRR: 6.92, 95%CI, 2.32-20.64, P = 0.001) and MCI (RRR: 4.36, 95%CI, 1.12-16.96, P = 0.034) than caregivers of SCI patients. The coping score increased in MCI (RRR: 1.22, 95%CI 1.03-1.46) and MNCD (RRR: 1.59, 95%CI 1.34-1.89).

Conclusion: Caregiver stress is common among patients with MCI and MNCD, comprising challenges in caregiving, family dynamics, and financial aspects.