Frontotemporal dementia: change of familial caregiver burden and partner relation in a Dutch cohort of 63 patients.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The current study examined the change of caregiver burden and the development of the quality of the partner relation in frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

METHODS: During a 2-year period, deterioration, behavioural problems, caregiver burden, general psychopathology, quality of life, social support, coping strategies and relationship quality were inspected in 63 FTD caregiver-care recipient dyads.

RESULTS: After 2 years patients reached maximum dementia severity with stable Neuropsychiatric Inventory levels. Contrary to expectations, caregiver burden decreased and psychological well-being remained stable. Coping style and social support changed unfavourably. Relationship closeness and getting along were preserved, whereas communication and sharing viewpoint on life were dramatically reduced.

CONCLUSIONS: FTD caregivers need support in coping with the increasingly hopeless situation of their patients. Future research methods into caregiver burden should address response shift as a means for psychological adjustment.