The modern prominence of mental wellbeing has led healthcare professionals to shift from purely physical
treatments toward more holistic approaches that incorporate mental health therapies. However, this is
not always the case for dementia patients. Research shows that social interaction and a positive
environment can be beneficial in slowing dementia development and progression. Nevertheless, the
patient’s emotional and psychological state is often sidelined in favour of symptom treatment and third party statements about their condition. Conversely, health implications of caregiving are often discussed and scrutinised in academic and mainstream settings. Studies indicate that a caregiver’s mental state
can significantly impact patient wellbeing, with high levels of caregiver anxiety in turn triggering anxiety in
the patient as well. Yet, similar patient-focused research is sparse, especially compared to the large
cohort studies and systematic reviews done on ‘caregiver burden’. This gap in the literature reinforces the
underrepresentation of patient experience in research, which aligns with patient reports on loss of agency
and stigma post-diagnosis. Additionally, neglecting the reciprocal effects between patient and caregiver
conditions highlights ethical and practical limitations in current approaches to dementia care.
Acknowledging the interconnection between caregiver and patient is essential for establishing more
inclusive and thorough dementia care. Therefore, this review examines inconsistencies in the current
literature, exposes methodological and societal causes behind the research gap, and presents strategies
to holistically improve dementia care. Addressing these issues ensures that the lives of patients and
caregivers alike remain at the forefront of the conversation.