Association of Caregiver Burden With Malnutrition Among Spousal Caregiver of Cognitive Impairment

Abstract

Objective: Among old adults, caring for a spouse with cognitive decline is well-known to be associated with significant risk to the caregiver’s health such as cardiovascular disease, depression and, especially, cognitive impairment. It is important to understand the caregiving-related risk factors for caregiver’s cognitive decline. Therefore, in this study, we examined the impact of caregiver’s burden on the modifiable lifestyle factors influencing cognitive decline among spousal caregivers (SCGs), focusing on nutritional status which contribute to SCG’s cognitive decline. Methods: A total of 44 subjects were included in the analysis. As clinical assessment, we evaluated the care burden (Zarit Burden Interview), depression (Geriatric Depression Scale), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), cognitive function (Mini-Mental State Examination, MMSE) physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire), and nutritional status (Mini Nutritional Assessment). Results: High Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) score and low MMSE score were significantly correlated with increased care burden. The SCG’s caregiving burden was significantly associated with the risk of malnutrition and increased level of depressed mood. These significant relationships unchanged even after adjusting for care-recipient’s MMSE or NPI score. Conclusion: This study provides substantial evidence that SCGs of cognitive impairment are at risk for depression and malnutrition, which can further affect cognitive decline. As such, these factors should be well assessed and monitored among SCGs for patient with cognitive impairment.