PSYCHOLOGICAL, SOCIAL, AND HEALTH IMPACT OF CAREGIVING - A COMPARISONOF BLACK-AND-WHITE DEMENTIA FAMILY CAREGIVERS AND NONCAREGIVERS

Psychological, social, and health variables were compared in 175 Black and White family caregivers of patients with dementia and 175 Black a nd White noncaregivers. Caregivers and noncaregivers did not differ wi thin race on demographic variables. Caregiving was associated with inc reased depression and decreased life satisfaction only in White famili es. However, caregiving appears to have similar social consequences fo r Black and White families, including restriction of social activity a nd increased visits and support by family from outside of the home. Ra ce, but not caregiving, was associated with physical health variables. Methodological issues in comparing well-being in Black and White care givers, in particular the importance of including noncaregiving compar ison subjects, are discussed.