Objectives: To establish the prevalence of loneliness among family caregivers of people with
dementia and to identify potential risk factors for loneliness.
Methods: Using data from the baseline wave of the Improving the experience of Dementia and
Enhancing Active Life (IDEAL) cohort study, we examined loneliness in 1283 family ...
Objectives: To establish the prevalence of loneliness among family caregivers of people with
dementia and to identify potential risk factors for loneliness.
Methods: Using data from the baseline wave of the Improving the experience of Dementia and
Enhancing Active Life (IDEAL) cohort study, we examined loneliness in 1283 family caregivers of
people with mild-to-moderate dementia living in Great Britain. Multinomial regression was used to
examine the relative influence of a series of risk factors for caregiver loneliness.
Results: Almost half, 43.7%, of caregivers reported moderate loneliness and 17.7% reported severe
loneliness. Greater social isolation and increased caregiving stress were linked with both moderate
and severe loneliness. Better quality of relationship with the person with dementia along with
increased levels of well-being and life satisfaction were associated with a lower relative risk of
reporting both moderate and severe loneliness.
Discussion: This study examines the prevalence and predictors of loneliness in a large sample of
family caregivers of people with dementia. Notably over two-thirds of caregivers in our sample
reported feeling lonely. Interventions aimed at reducing caregiving stress and supporting meaningful relationships may go some way towards helping to reduce loneliness