Sir, – Arlene Harris (Health & Family, April 30th) highlighted the vital role of informal caregivers in looking after family members with special needs and elderly relatives. Data from the Growing up in Ireland study were cited that support the case that there is an increased risk of psychological morbidity among such caregivers. Evidence is also emerging that the chronic stress associated with caregiving may have an impact on caregivers' cognitive functioning.
A new study is under way here in the NEIL (NeuroEnhancement for Independent Lives) programme at Trinity College Dublin that examines the link between stress and brain health in dementia caregivers. The aim of this research is to understand the impact of providing dementia care on caregivers’ wellbeing and to identify factors that could help to promote caregivers’ health. We are in the process of recruiting 300 people who are over the age of 50 and providing care at home for their spouse or partner with dementia to take part in the study. By understanding the effects of caregiving on cognitive functioning, we hope to develop interventions that will help to protect the health of the caregiver and, as a result, also have a beneficial effect on the quality of life of the person with dementia.
There are currently 41,740 people living with dementia in Ireland and this figure is expected to rise to 140,000 in 2041. Informal caregiving represents a vital and invaluable resource that is associated with better quality of life and positive health outcomes for the person with dementia. However, the current heavy reliance on informal caregivers as the main providers of dementia care will only remain feasible as long as the health and wellbeing of the caregiver is preserved. See http://www.tcd.ie/Neuroscience/neil/research/de-stress.php. Yours, etc,
DR MARIA PERTL,
NEIL Programme,
Trinity College,
Dublin 2