QUEBEC CITY, June 8 (UPI) -- A Canadian researcher says daughters caring for a stroke-patient parent are more often depressed than sons in the same role.
Marina Bastawrous, a masters candidate at the University of Toronto, says caring for a parent who has experienced a stroke results in a dramatic shift from the usual parent-child relationship.
"Stroke can be particularly challenging for families," Bastawrous says in a statement. "Taking care of elderly parents can bring out family strengths and family weaknesses."
The adult child-to-parent bond can result in excellent care when a senior has a stroke. But not always, she says.
Bastawrous says she has found close and secure family relationships predicted better mental health in adult child caregivers.
"But strained relationships before or following the stroke increases depression in daughters," Bastawrous says. "If the relationship between a parent and adult daughter is already strained, a stroke can make things even worse."
Bastawrous presented her findings at the Canadian Stroke Congress in Quebec City.
