Family cohesion and conflict in the context of adult children and parents living with early-stage cognitive impairment.

OBJECTIVES

Adult child caregivers of older adults living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias are at risk of burnout due to competing caregiving demands from multiple generations. Yet, drawing from structural family theory, this study aims to examine the extent to which family dynamics, especially greater family cohesion and less family conflict, are associated with children's mental and physical health.

METHOD: The present study was secondary data analysis of an observational study, in which 150 pairs of adult-child caregivers and parents with early-stage cognitive impairment self-reported their health, family relationships (cohesion, expressiveness, and conflict), and family conflict regarding caregiving.

RESULTS

Findings indicate that family cohesion and expressiveness are significantly positively, and family conflict is significantly negatively, associated with children's mental health. However, we did not find any significant association with physical health.

CONCLUSION

Supportive family relationships may buffer the mental health of adult-child caregivers whose parents are living with early-stage cognitive impairment. Tailored interventions focusing on family relationships and conflicts are crucial to support children in managing the challenges associated with caregiving.