The Impact of Perceived Knowledge of Dementia on Caregiver Burden

Abstract

This study centered around 131 caregivers and their recipients to investigate whether the caregiver’s perceived knowledge of dementia may be a factor in reducing caregiver burden. We developed a questionnaire to measure this kind of knowledge. A significant relationship was shown between perceived knowledge and caregiver burden. Our multivariate analysis furthermore demonstrated that the caregivers’ self-assessed state of health also has a significant influence. A second regression model included the different aspects of perceived knowledge of our questionnaire and showed that certain aspects of perceived knowledge, especially concerning existing professional help services, noncognitive symptoms of dementia, and the importance of not neglecting one’s own personal needs, has an positive impact on caregiver burden.