The process of post-traumatic growth for the main caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's disease

Abstract

Family members caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) often experience significant psychological distress, which can lead to mental health issues such as severe depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety. We conducted a study to explore the experiences of 18 primary caregivers of AD patients through semi-structured in-depth interviews. The study identified four key stages of post-traumatic growth (PTG): i) the pain period, ii) the struggle period, iii) the recovery period, and iv) the period of positive growth. Additionally, factors that contribute to PTG among caregivers include i) strong social support, ii) active coping strategies, iii) reflection on and understanding of their caregiving experience, and iv) future planning. Healthcare professionals should incorporate strategies to promote PTG in clinical practice to effectively support caregivers.