Family caregivers of individuals with dementia are at risk of adverse health outcomes, including chronic stress, new or exacerbated health problems, and cognitive decline (Alzheimer’s Association, 2025; Hazzan et al., 2022; Dassel et al., 2017). Current qualitative research on the well-being of dementia caregivers is limited in including Asian American caregivers, especially specific subgroups like Vietnamese Americans (Liu et al., 2021). The purpose of this study was to understand the impact of caregiving on the well-being of Vietnamese Americans who provide care to a family member with dementia. Twenty individual, semi-structured interviews were conducted with Vietnamese American caregivers of a family member with dementia. Interviews were conducted in Vietnamese and simultaneously translated and transcribed into English, and coded thematically using Dedoose. Findings revealed two dimensions of caregivers’ decline in well-being that parallelled the caregiving journey: physical and mental health. Physical health decline was marked by limited personal care and worsening health problems. Caregivers noted neglecting their personal care, including exercise, nutrition, and sleep. Caregivers noted deteriorating health over time, namely pain, fatigue, weight loss, and other chronic health problems. The second dimension of mental health decline was characterized by mental exhaustion, anxiety, and other psychological needs. Participants were constantly occupied with thoughts, worries, and emotions related to caregiving responsibilities. Daily mounting frustration and exhaustion became detrimental to caregivers’ mental health, particularly for those who do it alone and without support from family or friends. Helping professionals can support caregivers’ well-being by providing health-promoting resources, psychoeducation, self-care strategies, and respite care.

Authors:
Hannah Nguyen, California State University, Dominguez Hills, United States
Michelle Zaragoza, University of California, Berkeley, United States
Phu Phan, California State University, Dominguez Hills, United States
Jung-Ah Lee, University of California, Irvine, United States

About the Presenter(s)
Hannah Nguyen is an Associate Professor at California State University, Dominguez Hills, in the Department of Human Services. Her research examines culturally-responsive mental health care for Asian-American immigrants and aging and caregiving.

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