Abstract

This paper, using the model Job Demands-Resources (JD-R), intends to describe demands and resources involved in assisting relatives affected by Alzheimer's disease and the effect they may have on the physical health and burnout of caregivers. 90 caregivers of Alzheimer's patients responded to a questionnaire aimed at determining the level of burnout, the presence of physical symptoms and the major demands and resources in relation to the role of caregiver. The results highlight the role of demands and resources on physical health and burnout. In particular, among the demands, the Perceived Pressure seems to affect the degree of Emotional Exhaustion and of Personal Satisfaction. Among the resources, Caring Choices and Satisfaction with one's own Performance as a Caregiver seem to be those most associated with a lower degree of stress in caregivers. The contribution, even considering the limitations due to its purely exploratory character, provides first indications for use of the JD-R model in the study of caregivers of patients with dementia.