INTRODUCTION

Caregiver-care recipient (CR) interactions are central to caregiving, yet little is known about dementia caregivers' daily experiences with CRs. This study examines within-day effects of time interacting with CRs and interaction quality on caregivers' heart rate (HR) and whether friend interactions buffer these effects.

METHODS

Dementia caregivers (N = 221) completed baseline interviews and 5-day ecological momentary assessments (EMAs), reporting time and interaction quality with CRs and friend interactions every 3 hours while wearing heart monitors.

RESULTS

Within-day analyses revealed time with CRs was associated with increased HR, primarily due to negative interactions. Friend interactions buffered the adverse effects of time interacting with CR and negative CR interactions on elevated HR. Moreover, positive CR interactions were linked to lower HR when paired with friend interactions.

DISCUSSION

Findings provide insights into interventions that reduce negative exchanges within the caregiver-CR dyad and friend-based programs, which could enhance cardiovascular health among dementia caregivers.

HIGHLIGHTS

More time interacting with the care recipient (CR) was associated with an elevated heart rate (HR). Negative daily experiences with CRs are more salient in contributing to caregivers' cardiovascular strain. Friend interactions can temporarily buffer the adverse effects mentioned above. Positive CR interactions linked to lower HR when paired with friend interactions. Socializing with friends can be beneficial, even if some interactions are negative.