Influencing factors of depressive and anxiety symptoms among caregivers of Alzheimer's disease patients: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundAlzheimer's disease (AD) burdens patients and caregivers psychologically and emotionally. Identifying factors influencing caregivers' emotional symptoms is crucial for their mental health.ObjectiveThis study investigated the prevalence of depressive/anxiety symptoms among AD caregivers and identified key influencing factors.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from 2021 to 2023, involving 169 dyads of AD patients and their primary caregivers. Caregivers were assessed for depressive symptoms (HAMD >7) and anxiety symptoms (HAMA >6), quality of life (QoL), and dementia-related knowledge. Patients were evaluated for neuropsychiatric symptoms and cognitive function. Multivariable logistic regression and Spearman correlation analyses were used to identify key influencing factors.ResultsAmong 169 caregivers (mean age 56.97 ± 14.19 years, 62.13% female), depressive and anxiety symptom incidence was 24.85% and 25.44% (comorbidity 13.6%). Better dementia knowledge ("Risk/Health Promotion": OR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.67-0.93; "Care Precautions": OR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.69-0.95) was protective against caregiver depressive symptoms, while patient anxiety symptoms (OR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.01-1.17) and sleep/night problems (OR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.05-1.24) increased risk. Increased caregiver age was protective against caregiver anxiety symptoms (OR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.9-0.97), but patient anxiety symptoms (OR = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.03-1.18) and caregivers' lower QoL (OR = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.01-1.19) were risk factors. Furthermore, caregivers' HAMD scores were negatively correlated with dementia knowledge.ConclusionsDepressive/anxiety symptoms are common in AD caregivers, influenced by patient anxiety, sleep issues, caregiver age, QoL, and dementia knowledge. Targeted interventions to support caregiver mental health and knowledge are crucial.