Spouse caregivers and the caregiving experience: Does cognitive impairment make a difference?

This study was undertaken to clarify the impact of dementia on caregiving spouses. Interviews were conducted with two groups of older spouse caregivers: those caring for a demented spouse (n = 62) and those caring for a physically, but not cognitively-impaired spouse (n = 61). Discriminant analysis was used to identify factors distinguishing the groups. Caring for a dementia victim was associated with more memory/behavioral symptoms; less marital closeness; more helpful social contacts; and less caregiver burden. The central role of the marital relationship for caregiver interventions is emphasized.