Exploring Caregiver Burden in Dementia : A Descriptive Analysis

Dementia, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, places a significant burden on family caregivers, particularly in India, where caregiving largely falls to family members. This study aimed to assess the burden faced by caregivers of individuals with dementia in Delhi, focusing on the impact on caregivers ‘health, well-being, and daily functioning. The results revealed that caregivers experienced significant burdens across various domains, including physical and mental health, managing patient behaviour, marital relationships, financial stress, and occupational challenges. The physical and emotional demands of caregiving, coupled with the strain of managing dementia-related behaviours, were identified as significant sources of distress. Additionally, caregivers reported negative impacts on their personal and professional lives, including financial strain and work-related disruptions. These findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive support systems for caregivers in India, including psychological counselling, financial aid, and caregiver training programs. The urgency of this need is further emphasised by the critical role of addressing caregivers’ needs in improving dementia care outcomes and the quality of life for patients and their families. They also highlight the importance of policy changes to support caregivers.