BACKGROUND 

• Responding to changes in behaviour and psychological symptoms can be a challenge and emotionally demanding for family caregivers.

• Despite the high reliance on informal caregiving in Latin America, little research has examined how caregivers in this region experience and respond to these symptoms.

• This study aims to explore how family caregivers of persons living with dementia experience and cope with behavioural and psychological dementia symptoms.

WHO WAS INVOLVED AND HOW?

• Semi-structured interviews were conducted in Lima, Peru.

• n = 17 family caregivers of people with dementia experiencing behavioral and psychological symptoms.

• Recruited using a purposive sampling strategy from a private neurology clinic

• Qualitative data were analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis.

FINDINGS

Theme 1: Caregiving as an emotional and behavioral challenge

• Care partners reflected on the challenges that arose from changes in behavior.

• Noting how these shifts sometimes influenced relationships and their emotional well-being.

Theme 2: The role of adaptation and flexibility when managing BPSD

• They actively develop strategies to respond to these changes.

• Making adjustments in the house and their routines, using more flexible communication, choosing to de-escalate potential conflicts, and prioritising their own well-being.

Theme 3: Building the caregiver’s emotional well-being to support care

• Well-being was not just a need; it was the engine that powered their ability to handle these changes and symptoms.

• It was seen as essential to maintain long-term care.

 

CONCLUSIONS

Managing these symptoms is a significant challenge; however, care partners navigate this by developing adaptive strategies and prioritising their emotional well-being as a core resource.