Embracing positivity in dementia caregiving: Links between behavioral symptoms and caregiver well-being in Malaysia.

AIM

This study investigates the relationships among behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSDs), positive aspects of caregiving (PACs), and the psychological well-being of caregivers for individuals with dementia in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

METHODS

A total of 178 dementia caregivers were recruited through convenience sampling from a teaching hospital and a private dementia care center. The study utilized three standardized instruments: the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire (NPI-Q) to assess BPSDs as perceived by caregivers, the PAC Scale to measure caregivers' positive perceptions and sense of purpose, and the Scale of Psychological Well-Being (SPWB).

RESULTS

Results indicated that nearly all patients with dementia (PWDs) exhibited at least one type of BPSD, with apathy/indifference being the most prevalent (82.0%), followed by nighttime behavioral disturbances and appetite/eating disturbances (66.3%). The findings revealed that 51.1% of caregivers scored high on PACs, suggesting a substantial sense of purpose in caregiving. In terms of psychological well-being, 65.2% of caregivers reported high scores, indicating a positive state of mental health. Furthermore, caregiver age showed a significant negative correlation with PAC scores ( = -0.186,  = 0.013), while the number of dependents was positively correlated with PAC scores ( = 0.187,  = 0.012). Additionally, caregiver race was significantly associated with PAC scores.

CONCLUSION

These results highlight the importance of fostering positive caregiving experiences to enhance caregiver well-being amidst the challenges posed by BPSDs in dementia care.