title: Family caregivers of patients with frontotemporal dementia: An integrative review.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this integrative review is to: (1) identify the characteristics of family caregivers of patients with frontotemporal dementia, (2) explore the impact of providing care on family caregivers' health and well-being, and (3) identify coping strategies used by family caregivers.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Frontotemporal dementia is thought to be the second most common form of dementia after Alzheimer's disease. Family caregivers of patients with frontotemporal dementia face unique challenges due to its early onset, behavioral symptoms, and slow progression of decline. However, there is a dearth of research evaluating the health and wellbeing of family caregivers of patients with frontotemporal dementia.
  
  
  METHODS
  An integrative review was conducted using the Whittemore and Knafl methodology. An electronic search of the literature was conducted using four electronic databases: PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science. The Crowe Critical Appraisal tool was used to evaluate the quality of the selected articles.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Findings of 11 articles informed this integrative review. Family caregivers of patients with frontotemporal dementia identify behavioral disturbances as most troubling. Spouses and female caregivers experience greater caregiver burden, distress, increased rates of depression, as well as decreased sleep related to behavior disturbances. Though less explored, providing care to those with behavioral disturbances may also impact caregiver physical health. Additionally, female caregivers are most likely to employ coping strategies, most commonly, adaptation and reframing. Effective interventions to reduce family caregiver burden are poorly understood but family caregivers suggest education and internet-based support groups are most helpful.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Family caregivers of patients with frontotemporal dementia experience significant distress, which impacts their health and wellbeing. It is important for healthcare providers who care for patients with frontotemporal dementia to recognize the unique needs of family caregivers. Future research should focus on examining interventions and strategies to reduce caregiver burden.
authors.affiliation: New York University, College of Nursing, 433 First Avenue, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10010, United States.
authors.forename: Billy A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Caceres
authors.affiliation: New York University, College of Nursing, 433 First Avenue, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10010, United States.
authors.forename: Mayu O
authors.initials: MO
authors.lastname: Frank
authors.affiliation: New York University, College of Nursing, 433 First Avenue, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10010, United States. Electronic address: jj1528@nyu.edu.
authors.forename: Jin
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jun
authors.affiliation: New York University, College of Nursing, 433 First Avenue, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10010, United States.
authors.forename: Melissa T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Martelly
authors.affiliation: New York University, College of Nursing, 433 First Avenue, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10010, United States.
authors.forename: Tina
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Sadarangani
authors.affiliation: New York University, College of Nursing, 433 First Avenue, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10010, United States.
authors.forename: Paloma Cesar
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: de Sales
mesh_terms: D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D057180:Frontotemporal Dementia / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013315:Stress, Psychological
keywords: Caregiver burden; Coping strategies; Family caregivers; Family-centered care; Frontotemporal dementia