Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) affect millions of people in the United States, and the number of individuals needing care continues to grow. Most of this care is provided at home by informal care partners, who may experience stress, isolation, and emotional strain as the disease progresses. These challenges are especially difficult for women, who make up about two-thirds of dementia caregivers. Those living in rural or culturally traditional communities where caregiving is viewed as a family responsibility and outside help may not be accepted often face additional challenges. Rural caregivers face several barriers including: a lack of available services, transportation issues, and limited social support, all of which may negatively affect their quality of life.The purpose of this project is to explore how care partners define and experience quality of life while caring for a loved one with ADRD, with a focus on those living in rural or under-resourced areas.This work is based on a literature review of peer-reviewed studies examining caregiver experiences and quality-of-life outcomes. This project reviews existing research on caregiver burden, gender and cultural expectations, and rural health disparities to better understand the factors that shape caregiver well-being. The project also explores evidence-based resources such as telehealth, caregiver education, and engagement of social support networks. Findings are expected to highlight the need for more accessible and culturally sensitive resources for care partners, especially for those in rural settings.Key themes include emotional stress, ambiguous loss, relationship dynamics, and limited community resources. By identifying gaps in support and understanding what caregivers need most, this project aims to contribute to improving the well-being of both caregivers and the individuals with ADRD whom they support.
