IHR Seminar: Examining the experience of caring for a family member with dementia through illness blogs

Individuals who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias often exhibit behavioral and psychological symptoms that can place a great deal of strain on family carers. This strain leads to increased stress for family carers and reduced quality of life. While the impact of dementia caregiving on levels of depression, anxiety, and stress has been explored, more information is needed on the psychosocial impact of dementia caregiving on carers and families. Many individuals use web blogs as online journals to share their lived experiences. These blogs contain rich narratives that represent an untapped resource for understanding the psychosocial impact of caring for a person with dementia at the individual and family level. The present study uses blogs to explore the psychosocial impact of dementia caregiving, examining how and why carers use blogs as part of the caregiving experience, strategies used for supporting themselves and their loved ones, and the impact of dementia on the dignity of persons living with the disease. By understanding the psychosocial impacts of dementia caregiving, family focused interventions and services can be developed to reduce caregiver strain and improve quality of life.