Affiliations: [a] Division of Medical Information Sciences, University Hospitals of Geneva, Switzerland
| [b] TECFA, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| [c] Clinical Psychology Units, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Geneva, Switzerland
Correspondence:
[*]
Correspondence to: Anna Laura Luiu, Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil 4, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland. Tel.: +41
223726288; E-mail: annalaura.luiu@hcuge.ch.
Abstract: Background:Family caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease are the most important support in concrete personal and economic terms. Family dynamics play a fundamental role in the provision of informal caregiving benefits. Objective:This review aims to identify factors related to the family caregiving of relatives with Alzheimer’s disease, taking specifically into account the construct of coping and expressed emotion. Methods:This is a systematic review including articles selected using search terms including “caregivers,” “Alzheimer’s,” “family,” and “relationship” in research databases. Findings were synthesized and categorized into themes. Results:A total of 454 abstracts were identified. Following screening, lateral searches, and quality appraisal, 36 studies were included for synthesis. A total of 5 themes were identified: burden; demographics; coping strategies; caregiver mental health; and family dynamics and expressed emotions. Conclusion:The quality and level of evidence supporting each theme varied. We need further research into family dynamics ameliorating the caregiving and how to measure it.
Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, family caregivers, family relationship, systematic
review
