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Well-Being of Spouses of Persons with Mild Cognitive Impairment

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Encyclopedia of Quality of Life and Well-Being Research

Synonyms

Family caregiver well-being; Family stress and caregiving; Informal helpers' well-being; Mild cognitive impairment; Spouce caregiving

Definition

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a syndrome in which a person has problems with memory, language, or other essential cognitive abilities that are noticeable to self and others and detectable on cognitive tests, but often are not severe enough to interfere with most functions of daily life (Alzheimer’s Association, 2011; Petersen, 2004). As many as 10–20 % of people age 65 and older have MCI, but only about 15 % of them will progress to further stages of cognitive impairment (Amieva et al., 2004). Given the uncertainty about the prognosis of MCI and attendant anxiety about progressive memory loss and further deterioration, family members, especially spouses, are likely to experience MCI as a stressful situation.

Description

Theoretical Framework. The majority of research that has examined stress, coping, and well-being among family...

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Correspondence to Jyoti Savla .

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Savla, J., Roberto, K.A., Blieszner, R. (2014). Well-Being of Spouses of Persons with Mild Cognitive Impairment. In: Michalos, A.C. (eds) Encyclopedia of Quality of Life and Well-Being Research. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-0753-5_3863

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-0753-5_3863

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

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