Abstract: Objective: To systematically integrate qualitative studies on the caregiving experiences of spouse caregivers of patients with Young-Onset Dementia (YOD) to provide a reference for the development of interventions to meet the inner needs of spouse caregivers. Methods: Chinese and English databases were searched to include qualitative studies on the caregiving experience of spouse caregivers of patients with YOD. The search time frame was from the inception to March 2024. The literature was evaluated using the quality assessment tool for qualitative research developed by Australian JBI Centre for Evidence-Based Health Care. The results were integrated using integrative synthesis method developed by JBI. Results: A total of 9 studies were included to extract 34 findings, which were summarized into nine categories and four integrated themes, namely, serious symptoms and complex diagnostic problems, heavy caregiving burden and significant psychosocial stress, active coping and personal growth, and diversified needs and support. Conclusion: Spouse caregivers of patients with YOD had difficulties in managing abnormal psycho-behavioral symptoms. They had high caregiving burden, strong negative emotions, and desire for various support. Meanwhile, they reacted positively to their predicament. Hospitals and community health care workers should give high priority to the psychological experiences and needs of spouse caregivers of patients with YOD and provide individualized interventions to enhance the quality of life of patients with YOD and their spouses.

Key words: Young-Onset Dementia; spouse caregiver; experience; Meta-synthesis