Pregledni rad
https://doi.org/10.24141/2/10/1/14
Dementia: Challenges of Care, Stress, and Psychological Impact on Nurses and Informal Caregivers – A Review Article
Tanja Lupieri
; University Hospital Sveti Duh, Zagreb, Croatia
*
Martina Hrvačić
; University Hospital Sveti Duh, Zagreb, Croatia
Suzana Uzun
; University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapče, Department of Biological Psychiatry and Psychogeriatrics, Reference Center for Alzheimer’s Disease and Psychiatry of Old Age, Zagreb, Croatia
* Dopisni autor.
Sažetak
Introduction. Dementia is a chronic and progressive
syndrome in which cognitive function (i.e., the ability
to process thoughts) deteriorates beyond what is
expected from normal aging. There are several types
of dementia, most of which are progressive neurodegenerative disorders that significantly affect the
quality of life of individuals living with the condition,
as well as their families and caregivers.
Aim. This review article analyzes recent scientific
literature with a particular focus on the challenges
of long-term care and the stress experienced by caregivers
including nurses. It explores the psychological,
physical, and social aspects of caregiving, as well
as potential interventions aimed at reducing caregiver
burden. The article highlights the need for an integrated
approach that includes education, support,
and institutional change.
Methods. A literature review was conducted using Pub-
Med, Scopus, and Web of Science and includes studies
published between 2015 and 2025. The review included
systematic reviews and quantitative and qualitative
studies investigating the effects of dementia care on
caregivers, particularly nurses. The analysis addressed
psychological, social, physical, and organizational aspects
of caregiving, as well as the effectiveness of interventions
such as mindfulness training, educational
programs, and professional supervision.
Results. Dementia caregiving is linked to high levels
of stress, depression, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion.
Prolonged exposure to stress and insufficient
support increase burnout risk, while organizational
support, ongoing education, and psychological interventions
serve as protective factors. Mindfulness
and cognitive-behavioral approaches significantly reduce
stress and burnout, and supervision and peer
support enhance job satisfaction.
Conclusion. Integrating psychological support and
educational programs into nursing practice is essential
for maintaining caregivers’ mental health and care
quality. Regular stress monitoring and preventive
measures—such as mindfulness, supervision, and dementia-
specific education—help prevent burnout and
strengthen professional resilience among nurses.
Ključne riječi
dementia; Alzheimer’s disease; caregiving; caregivers; stress; psychological health; support
Hrčak ID:
345910
URI
Datum izdavanja:
27.3.2026.
Posjeta: 175 *