OBJECTIVES: We examined subjective perceptions of memory loss among older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and two other relatives in order to improve understanding of family coping. We also investigated contextual conditions associated with perceptions of family dynamics and relationships. METHOD: We conducted interviews with 56 family triads (the elder with MCI, the primary care partner, and a secondary care partner). Guided by Pearlin and colleagues' caregiving stress process framework, questions addressed perceptions of memory changes and interpretation of the effects of MCI on family interaction patterns. RESULTS: Analyses of family triads revealed four degrees of the extent to which family members similarly acknowledged elders' MCI. The acknowledgment groups differed on history of family dynamics, experience with dementia, and perceived extent of memory change in the elder. Families characterized by full acknowledgment coped better with perceived changes in the elder's functioning than those in which members' perceptions of MCI were incongruent. DISCUSSION: Pursuing family-level data on responses to MCI uncovered more nuanced reactions, often differing across triad members, than individual-based research has found. Family perceptions about changes in elders' memory have important implications for within-family interactions and support that can help families cope successfully with MCI.
OBJECTIVES: We examined subjective perceptions of memory loss among older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and two other relatives in order to improve understanding of family coping. We also investigated contextual conditions associated with perceptions of family dynamics and relationships. METHOD: We conducted interviews with 56 family triads (the elder with MCI, the primary care partner, and a secondary care partner). Guided by Pearlin and colleagues' caregiving stress process framework, questions addressed perceptions of memory changes and interpretation of the effects of MCI on family interaction patterns. RESULTS: Analyses of family triads revealed four degrees of the extent to which family members similarly acknowledged elders' MCI. The acknowledgment groups differed on history of family dynamics, experience with dementia, and perceived extent of memory change in the elder. Families characterized by full acknowledgment coped better with perceived changes in the elder's functioning than those in which members' perceptions of MCI were incongruent. DISCUSSION: Pursuing family-level data on responses to MCI uncovered more nuanced reactions, often differing across triad members, than individual-based research has found. Family perceptions about changes in elders' memory have important implications for within-family interactions and support that can help families cope successfully with MCI.
Authors: Andrea V Cuc; Dona E C Locke; Noah Duncan; Julie A Fields; Charlene Hoffman Snyder; Sherrie Hanna; Angela Lunde; Glenn E Smith; Melanie Chandler Journal: Int J Geriatr Psychiatry Date: 2017-02-24 Impact factor: 3.485
Authors: Daphne Sze Ki Cheung; Grace Wing Ka Ho; Athena Chung Yin Chan; Ken Hok Man Ho; Robin Ka Ho Kwok; Yammie Pui Yan Law; Daniel Bressington Journal: BMC Geriatr Date: 2022-09-21 Impact factor: 4.070
Authors: Frances Bunn; Claire Goodman; Katie Sworn; Greta Rait; Carol Brayne; Louise Robinson; Elaine McNeilly; Steve Iliffe Journal: PLoS Med Date: 2012-10-30 Impact factor: 11.069
Authors: Pim van den Dungen; Eric P Moll van Charante; Peter M van de Ven; Harm W J van Marwijk; Henriëtte E van der Horst; Hein P J van Hout Journal: PLoS One Date: 2016-06-16 Impact factor: 3.240