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Relationship Between Family Dynamics of Caregivers, Depression, and the Likelihood of Institutionalization of Alzheimer's Patients

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Abstract

This study examined the relationship between family dynamics (as measured by the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale-FACES III), depression, feelings of burden and institutionalization in spouse caregivers (N = 197) of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) patients. All data was previously collected at the New York University Medical Center's Aging and Dementia Research Center between 1987 and 1991. Although no significant results were found between family dynamics and the likelihood of institutionalization, a post-hoc analyses found that AD spouse caregivers with higher scores on family cohesion experienced significantly less burden and depression than caregivers with lower cohesion scores. Implications for future research examining family cohesion, depression, and feelings of burden in AD spouse caregivers are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Aging and Dementia Research Center, Millhauser Labs (HN413), New York University Medical Center, New York, NY, 10016

    Carol L. Torossian

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  1. Carol L. Torossian
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  2. Stephen Ruffins
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Torossian, C.L., Ruffins, S. Relationship Between Family Dynamics of Caregivers, Depression, and the Likelihood of Institutionalization of Alzheimer's Patients. Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy 29, 127–142 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1021956715387

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