The interplay of caregiver-patient interactions: Investigating the relationship between burden, anosognosia, and coping strategies

Dementia significantly burdens caregivers, increasing depressive and anxious symptoms. This impact is influenced by patient characteristics, anosognosia, and caregiver coping strategies. This study aims to analyze these factors and their relationships to provide insights for targeted interventions supporting caregivers of dementia patients. This observational study recruited 30 subjects with Mild Cognitive Impairment and their respective caregivers. Anamnestic information, Anosognosia Questionnaire (AQ-D), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced, and Caregiver Burden Inventory (CBI) were collected. CBI scores were correlated to caregivers' PSS and avoidance coping strategies, and to AQ-D scores. Patients' PSS and avoidance coping were associated with CBI scores; AQ-D showed a significant association with CBI's Objective Burden subscale. Problem-solving coping strategies were associated with caregivers lower psychological, social, and emotional burden. These findings underscore the importance of addressing caregiver needs in healthcare and suggest possible directions for future interventions to improve support and quality of life.