The male experience of caring for a person with dementia: A qualitative systematic review and thematic synthesis.
TL;DR
Qualitative research on the experiences of informal male caregivers for people living with dementia extends beyond the anglosphere and applies systematic review methods to assess study quality, highlighting male caregivers expression for support aligned with their coping styles and interventions should prioritise practical and educational components.
Abstract
A significant proportion of informal dementia care is provided by male caregivers, however research on their experiences remains limited and with a large focus on spousal relations. Previous scoping reviews exploring male caregiving have not considered how intersectional factors may shape men's experiences. This review synthesises and interprets qualitative research on the experiences of informal male caregivers for people living with dementia (PLwD), extending beyond the anglosphere and applying systematic review methods to assess study quality. The influence of intersecting factors on men's approaches to caregiving was also explored. Seven research databases were searched from inception until 15/07/2025 to identity peer-reviewed qualitative studies. Title/abstract and full texts were screened, and study quality assessed before conducting a qualitative thematic synthesis. 30 papers were included of varying quality. Four main themes were identified: 1) Re-negotiating a masculine caregiver identity, in which men drew upon organisational scripts and protective provider roles; 2) Relational loss and change, including grief, loss of intimacy and isolation; 3) Strategies for managing and personal growth, encompassing emotional containment, task-oriented problem solving, selective help-seeking and pride and personal growth; and 4) Suggestions for support. Across themes, masculinity and gendered ideals shaped men's caregiving approach. Intersectional factors, including the relationship to the PLwD, social class, sexuality and culture shaped experiences, although were rarely discussed in-depth within studies. Results highlight male caregivers expression for support aligned with their coping styles, and interventions should prioritise practical and educational components. Future research should attend to under-reported intersectional experiences of male caregivers to support equitable service provision.