Effects of a Secondary Caregiver on the Health of Primary Family Caregivers of People with Dementia: A Focus on Physical and Psychological Aspects

Objective: The global number of people with dementia is rising, requiring caregivers from early disease stages. However, the effect of having a secondary caregiver on the primary caregiver’s physical and psychological health is unclear. This study aimed to compare primary caregivers with and without a secondary caregiver in terms of physical and psychological parameters. Material and method: This cross-sectional study included 61 family caregivers of people with dementia, divided into two groups: caregiving alone (n=26) and caregiving with a secondary caregiver (n=35). Physical health was assessed using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (musculoskeletal disorders), International Physical Activity Questionnaire (physical activity), and Fatigue Severity Scale (fatigue). Psychological health was evaluated with the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Bref and Zarit Burden Interview scales. Results: No significant differences were found in psychological measures between groups. However, physical health differences were observed. Caregivers without a secondary caregiver spent a significantly higher percentage of their day sitting due to caregiving tasks (p=0.020). They also reported more musculoskeletal symptoms in the spine (p=0.05), upper limbs (p=0.046), and lower limbs (p=0.019) over the past week. Conclusion: The presence of a secondary caregiver is linked to better physical health but does not significantly impact psychological well-being among caregivers of people with dementia. These findings underscore the need to provide physical support to caregivers to maintain their health.