University of Wisconsin–Madison

How Dementia Caregiving Affects the Spousal Caregiver

Caring for those with dementia represents a major public health challenge, with caregivers, especially spouses, providing long-term, largely unpaid care. With caregiving stress linked to a decline in mental and physical health, it is crucial to understand the complex burden these care partners face in order to support them. Dr. Donna de Levante Raphael joins the podcast to shed light on the effects of caregiving on the spousal caregiver and share possible interventions and programs to support their needs. 

Headshot of Dr. Donna de Levante Raphael
Donna de Levante Raphael, PhD

Guest: Donna de Levante Raphael, PhD, gerontologist, director of research, Alzheimer’s Foundation of America

Show Notes

Read Dr. Donna de Levante Raphael’s newly published review, “The Impact of Dementia Caregiving on the Health of the Spousal Caregiver,” on the MDPI website. 

Learn more about Dr. Donna de Levante Raphael at her profile on the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America website.

Learn more about ambiguous loss and anticipatory grief, mentioned by Dr. de Levante Raphael at 34:44, by listening to our past episode, “A Guide to Grief: Strategies for Navigating Loss and Dementia.”

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Learn about Dr. Chin’s book, When Memory Fades: What to Expect at Every Stage, from Early Signs to Full Support for Alzheimer’s and Dementia.