Effects of dyadic discrepancy in awareness of mild cognitive impairment on changes in care partner's burden over time.

Objectives:This study explored interpersonal aspects of coping with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), focusing on how shared illness representations between persons with MCI (PwMCI) and their care partners (CPs) are associated with CP perceived burden.Method:Longitudinal data from a purposive sample of 69 MCI care dyads were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, intraclass correlations, and regression analyses.Results: CP perceived their PwMCI's deficits in MCI-related functions as more negative than PwMCI rated themselves, but the extent of the discrepancy varied across cognitive and behavioral abilities. The discrepancy in dyadic appraisal of PwMCI functioning was associated significantly with CP burden.Conclusion: The findings highlight the value of shared PwMCI and CP perspectives on cognitive functioning for MCI management and psychological adjustment.