Caregiving across the U.S.: BRFSS Data Reveal Impact of Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia

2012

Elena Andresen
[email protected]
503-494-2275

Little is currently known about the prevalence and health impacts of caregiving, especially at the state and local levels and for caregivers of Alzheimer's disease. Population-based caregiving data are needed in order to design programs and policies to address this increasingly important public health issue. The purpose is to compare the caregiving experiences, demographic factors, and health behaviors of caregivers who provided care to a person with Alzheimer's disease or dementia  which, is a greater caregiving burden to caregivers who provided care to a person with any other type of health condition or disability. The 2009 BRFSS data suggest important differences between caregivers based on whether their care recipients have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or dementia. Caregivers may need targeted interventions to reduce stress and prevent health problems. Greater use of the BRFSS Caregiving Module is needed to more fully assess these needs and differences among caregivers

disability, dementia, aging

Conference presentations and posters presented

Professionals, Students

[email protected]

N/A