Melinda Kavanaugh, PhD, LCSW, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, shares details of a project investigating the impact of caregiving on sleep and overall well-being. Initially tested in the ALS space, the study is set to extend its focus to children caring for family members with Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia (FTD), or other related dementias. The objective is to comprehend the relationship between caregiving, perseveration, stress, and anxiety, and how these factors affect sleep—which is essential for children and adolescents. The researchers employ sensitive wearable devices to measure activity levels, coupled with ecological momentary assessment, allowing participants to report real-time feelings during caregiving. By connecting the lack or impairment of sleep and overall well-being during caregiving, the study aims to discern potential consequences and determine appropriate levels of intervention for these young caregivers. This interview took place at the World Congress of Neurology (WCN) 2023 in Montreal, Canada.
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