The Role of Friends in the Lives of Dementia Caregivers: Implications for Daily Cardiovascular Health

Crystal Yee To Ng
Postdoctoral Fellow, Institute for Social Research and Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Michigan

Co-Investigators

  • Kira Birditt
  • Anna Kratz

Abstract

This study aims to examine the role of friends in the daily experiences of African American (AA) and European American (EA) ADRD caregivers. This pilot study uses data from the Stress and Well-Being in the Everyday Lives of Caregivers study (SWELCare), a study of AA and EA men and women who are primary caregivers and co-reside with their family member or friend who is living with ADRD.

Outcomes

  • Ng, Y. T., & Birditt, K.S. (2023). Friendship networks and health among Black and White dementia caregivers. (Chair: Z. K. Lim, Daily Contexts and Health Outcomes Across Adulthood). Symposium paper presented at the annual meeting of Gerontological Society of America (GSA). Tampa, FL
  • Ng, Y. T., & Birditt, K.S. (2024). The effects of daily interactions with friends and care recipients on emotional well-being among Black and White dementia caregivers. Poster presented at the annual conference of Society for Personality and Social Psychology (SPSP). San Diego, CA.
  • Ng, Y. T., & Birditt, K.S. (2024). The effects of daily interactions with friends and care recipients on emotional well-being among Black and White dementia caregivers. Poster presented at the UMAging Initiative Symposium: The Aging Brain - Risk and Resilience. Ann Arbor, MI.
  • Ng, Y. T., Kratz, A. L., & Birditt, K.S. (2024). Momentary links of interactions with friends and care recipients on cardiovascular reactivity among Black and White dementia caregivers. Symposium paper presented at the annual meeting of Gerontological Society of America (GSA). Seattle, WA.