ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To analyze the factors which affect the burden and quality of life in carers of patients with Alzheimer's disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From a sample of 234 carers of patients in the Unit for Assessment of Memory and Dementia with a diagnosis of probable Alzheimer's disease, according to the scale of National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke/Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association (NINCS-ADRDA), and of minimal or slight severity, according to the Cambridge Mental Disorders of the Elderly Examination (CAMDEX) criteria, we obtained sociodemographic variables and administered the following questionnaires: Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), Rapid Disability Rating Scale (RDRS-2), Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ) and Burden Interview (BI). RESULTS: The sex of the carers, the hours of attention to the basic activities of daily life (BADL) and the Cambridge Cognitive Examination (CAMCOQ), Minimental State Examination (MMSE), QLQ, NPI and RDRS-2 scores were related to the BI score. Multiple regression accepted the scoring for NPI, RDRS-2 and QLQ in the model. The QLQ score was associated with male sex of the patient, the age of the carer, employment status, whether or not he lived with the patient, with the family relationship, the hours of attention to the BADL and the scores on CAMCOG, MMSE, RDRS-2, NPI and BI. The multiple regression model included the age of the carer, the BI score and the hours of attention to the BADL. CONCLUSION: The non-cognitive symptoms, functional disability and poor perception of quality of life are factors affecting the burden and age of the carer, the hours of attention to the BADL and the burden affecting quality of life.
Subject(s)
Alzheimer Disease , Caregivers/psychology , Cost of Illness , Quality of Life/psychology , Aged , Disease Progression , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: At the present time there is considerable controversy over the course to follow in attention to patients with psychogeriatric disorders. Rapid diagnosis and maintaining the patients in their homes are the basic objectives of the policy of sharing responsibility among those involved. DEVELOPMENT: We review the bibliography and suggest a form of attention based on experience acquired in the dementia evaluation unit of the Programme Vida als Anys of the Generalitat de Catalunya. The model described is based on making the diagnosis in the patient's home, giving support to the family and integrating the patient into a follow-up unit, with a person responsible for evaluating and resolving the needs of both patient and family as they arise. In order to carry out this programme, the attention must be given by multidiscliplinary units with the necessary resources.
Subject(s)
Dementia/rehabilitation , Health Services for the Aged/organization & administration , Aged , Ambulatory Care , Dementia/diagnosis , Humans , Psychotherapy , Residential Treatment , Social Support , SpainABSTRACT
Introducción. Actualmente, existe una gran controversia sobre la política sanitaria a seguir en la asistencia de pacientes con trastornos psicogeriátricos. El diagnóstico rápido y la contención de los pacientes en el domicilio son los objetivos fundamentales dentro de una política de responsabilidad compartida entre diversos estamentos. Desarrollo. Se lleva a cabo una revisión de la bibliografía y se lanza una propuesta asistencial basada en la experiencia acumulada en la unidad de valoración de las demencias del Programa Vida als Anys de la Generalitat de Catalunya. El modelo expuesto se basa en la realización del diagnóstico a domicilio, apoyo a la familia e integración del paciente dentro de una unidad de seguimiento, con un responsable que valorará y dará soluciones a las necesidades puntuales del paciente y la familia a lo largo de la evolución de la enfermedad. Para que el programa pueda realizarse es preciso que la asistencia sea realizada por unidades multidisciplinarias y se disponga de los medios de soporte necesarios (AU)
