Title : Tracking the impact of neuropsychiatric symptoms on caregiver burden in lewy body dementia: A bibliometric analysis (1986–2025)
Abstract:
Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition with symptoms including visual hallucinations, REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD), delusions, and autonomic dysfunction. These neuropsychiatric symptoms not only impact the person with LBD but also place immense emotional and logistical strain on caregivers. This study investigates how global research over the last four decades has addressed the caregiver burden related to these symptoms.
Using bibliometric analysis, 770 peer-reviewed articles published from 1986 to June 2025 were identified in the Web of Science Core Collection. VOSviewer software (Leiden University) was used to visualize keyword co-occurrence networks, citation clusters, and institutional collaborations. The search focused on neuropsychiatric symptoms (e.g., hallucinations, depression, RBD) and caregiver-related outcomes (e.g., burden, stress, support).
Results show a marked increase in caregiver-focused research after 2020, with keywords like “care partner,” “support,” and “psychological symptoms” becoming more prominent. The United States and United Kingdom led in publication volume, while institutions like Mayo Clinic and King’s College London were top contributors. Funding was largely provided by NIH, Alzheimer’s Association, and the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
This study traces a shift in LBD research—from early emphases on pathology to more recent attention on psychosocial outcomes. Findings highlight an urgent need to expand caregiver support systems and integrate behavioral symptom management into treatment plans. The research reinforces the growing academic recognition that caregiver well-being is essential to quality dementia care.
