Psychological interventions for family caregivers of individuals with neurocognitive disorders: evidence from the ORA project

Caring for individuals with dementia can place a substantial psychological strain on caregivers, often leading to elevated levels of burden, stress, and decreased quality of life. The present study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of the psychological interventions implemented as part of the ORA Project, an initiative supported by the CARIPARO Foundation (Italy) dedicated to caregivers of individuals with neurocognitive disorders. Data from 48 caregivers were collected before and after the psychological intervention, with 21 receiving Individual Intervention, and 27 receiving Group Intervention. A control group of 22 caregivers receiving no intervention was also involved and tested twice in a 6-months’ time window. Primary outcomes measures consisted in caregiver burden, anxiety, depression, stress, and quality of life; behavioral and memory problems of the family members with neurocognitive disorders was considered secondary outcomes. Standardized measures of these outcomes were obtained at baseline (T0) and after the intervention/6 months (T1). Statistical analyses were conducted to assess within and between groups differences over time. Results show no significant between-group differences at baseline. On the contrary, significant differences emerged after 6 months. Specifically, a significant decrease in perceived burden and stress levels emerged only among the caregivers involved in the Group Intervention, while caregivers who received Individual Intervention maintained stable levels across the assessment period. In contrast, those who did not receive any psychological intervention showed a significant increase of burden and stress levels, and a significant decline in quality of life. Our findings suggest that the psychological interventions proposed through the ORA Project, particularly those delivered in groups, were associated with improvements in caregiver mental health outcomes. Further controlled studies are needed to confirm these findings and better understand the factors underlying differences between intervention approaches.