Abstract
BACKGROUND: Previous research on caregiver depression has mainly focused on caregivers of late-onset dementia (LOD), whereas studies involving young-onset dementia (YOD) remain limited. This study aimed to examine the associations between psychosocial stressors and depression among YOD and LOD caregivers in Japan. METHODS: A total of 1798 questionnaires were distributed to family caregivers affiliated with 214 organisations, including dementia family associations and care facilities. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), and their associations with psychosocial stressors was analysed through multiple regression analysis both in the dementia onset group and in the total sample. RESULTS: Of the 380 respondents, 194 were YOD caregivers and 186 were LOD caregivers. The prevalence of elevated depression scores (CES-D ≥ 16) was significantly higher in the YOD group than in the LOD group. Among YOD caregivers, financial difficulties were the strongest psychosocial stressor associated with CES-D scores, followed by caregiving-related lifestyle restrictions and social isolation. In contrast, among LOD caregivers, caregiving-related lifestyle restrictions were most strongly correlated with increased CES-D scores, with social isolation also being significant. Male sex was additionally associated with lower CES-D scores. A comprehensive hierarchical regression, including interaction terms, confirmed that the association between financial difficulties and depression was stronger among YOD caregivers, whereas the impact of caregiving-related lifestyle restrictions was weaker than among LOD caregivers. CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate differences between YOD and LOD caregivers in psychosocial stressors linked to depression. These findings underscore the necessity of multifaceted and adaptable support strategies tailored to the distinct characteristics of each group. Furthermore, over half of both caregiver groups exhibited depressive symptoms, with YOD caregivers demonstrating a particularly higher propensity for depression. These findings provide foundational evidence for developing effective support and interventions tailored to the specific stressors experienced by YOD and LOD caregivers to alleviate their depressive symptoms.