Factors associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease in family caregivers of people with dementia: a systematic review

Objective This study aimed to systematically review studies that reported factors associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in family caregivers of people with dementia (PWD). Methods Literature was searched in PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, and PsycINFO using keywords generated from the terms “dementia”, “caregiver”, and “cardiovascular disease”. We included studies that examined factors associated with CVD risk in family caregivers of PWD, those with longitudinal or cross-sectional study designs, and those published in English. Results A total of 34 studies were included in this review. Stress and depressive symptoms, pleasant leisure activity, coping self-efficacy and coping strategy, physical activity, and social support were the main modifiable associated factors of CVD risk in family caregivers of PWD. However, the association between sleep and CVD risk was unclear. Caregiving status, the duration of caregiving, genes, and race, were the main non-modifiable associated factors of CVD risk in family caregivers. Conclusion This review showed seven modifiable factors of CVD risk. In particular, leisure activities, physical activity, and social support were significantly negatively associated with the risk of CVD. Researchers and clinical professionals are recommended to consider these risk factors when they develop interventions to reduce CVD risk in family caregivers of PWD.