title: Predictive factors for the objective burden of informal care in people with dementia: a systematic review.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Informal care plays a substantial role in the provision of total care in dementia. Several reviews have been published on the predictive factors of subjective burden; however, such a review lacks information on objective burden, which refers to the amount and/or costs of informal care.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The objectives of this study were to (1) give an overview of the predictive factors that are associated with the objective burden of informal care; (2) discuss whether these factors are similar to the predictive factors of subjective burden; and (3) examine whether they are modifiable.
  
  
  METHODS
  The literature in a number of international databases was systematically searched. Methodological quality and level of certainty were assessed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Ten studies were identified as relevant for the purpose of this review, describing a total of 39 predictive factors. Three factors (behavioral problems and impairments regarding daily functioning and cognition) were considered to be predictors of objective burden. Three factors were not related; 12 were potential predictors; and the results of the remaining 22 factors were inconclusive.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Many factors were found to be (potential) predictors of objective burden, reflecting its complex nature. Objective and subjective burdens are 2 different relevant aspects of informal care. Interventions aimed at countering behavioral problems and impairments regarding daily functioning could reduce objective burden.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS)/Alzheimer Centre Limburg, Maastricht, The Netherlands. claire.wolfs@maastrichtuniversity.nl
authors.forename: Claire A G
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Wolfs
authors.forename: Alfons
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kessels
authors.forename: Johan L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Severens
authors.forename: Werner
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Brouwer
authors.forename: Marjolein E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: de Vugt
authors.forename: Frans R J
authors.initials: FR
authors.lastname: Verhey
authors.forename: Carmen D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Dirksen
mesh_terms: D017028:Caregivers; D017281:Cost of Illness; D003704:Dementia / Q000191:economics*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male