Naomi Adjei: Exploring Caregiver Burden in Dementia Through the Aging Brain and Emotion Lab

Naomi Adjei, a doctoral student in gerontology at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, is dedicating her research to better understand the challenges faced by caregivers of people with dementia. As a research assistant in the Aging Brain and Emotion Lab, Adjei collaborates with her mentor, Dr. Janelle Beadle, to investigate how caregiving impacts those supporting people with neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia.

The ABE Lab Experience

Describing her experience in the ABE Lab, Adjei said, “It’s such a unique environment because we’re a very close group. There are three of us who have been there together for years, and we talk about all things health and healthy aging.” She added, “Besides research, we love applying what we’re learning through the data.”

The lab serves as more than just a research space; it’s a collaborative environment where ideas are exchanged and research findings are discussed in terms of their practical implications. “We have a blast,” Adjei said. “It’s not just about data; it’s about how we can actually use this knowledge to help others.”

Focusing on Caregiver Burden

Adjei’s primary research investigates caregiver burden, a concept that encompasses the emotional, financial, social, and physical strain experienced by caregivers. Her study examines the differences in burden experienced by caregivers who support people with Alzheimer’s disease versus those with frontotemporal dementia. Given that each type of dementia presents different behavioral and psychological symptoms, Adjei’s work is essential in uncovering how these differences affect caregivers’ well-being.

Explaining the purpose of her research, Adjei said, “We’re looking at how aging impacts social recognition, our cognitive abilities, and emotional abilities. It’s a big project, and the goal is to understand how we can better support caregivers who are often left to navigate these challenges on their own.”

Research Methodology and Impact

Adjei’s passion for caregiving, especially for those supporting people with dementia, stems from her own experiences. “In my last job, I was a care director in a church,” she shared. “I worked with a family where the husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. His wife had to quit her job to become his caregiver, and it was very complex. I realized that I wasn’t equipped to handle that situation and wanted to understand more about Alzheimer’s and how we can support caregivers.”

To gain insights into these caregiving experiences, Adjei’s research involves working with unpaid family caregivers age 50 and older who have been in their caregiving role for at least six months. This study identifies the factors that contribute most to caregiver burden and investigates whether positive aspects of caregiving can mediate the relationship between caregiving responsibilities and burden. One key tool used is the Zarit Burden Inventory, a reliable measure of caregiver burden.