Neuropsychiatric Symptoms as a Predictor of Caregiver Burden in Alzheimer’s Disease.

ALLEGRI RF, SARASOLA D, SERRANO CM, TARAGANO FE, ARIZAGA RL, BUTMAN JL, LOÑ L.

NEUROPSYCHIATRIC DISEASE AND TREATMENT

Dove Press

Año: 2006 vol. 2 p. 105 - 110

1176-6328

Alzheimer Disease, the most frequent form of dementia, is an irreversible brain disorder that occurs gradually and results in memory loss, behavior and personality changes, and a decline in thinking abilities. Patients need assistance and supervision of their daily activities. They survive for protracted periods of time, placing an extensive burden of care on the caregiver prior to the patient´s death. The present study addresses to the predictive value of behavior-related burden on Alzheimer’s disease caregivers. Participants: 82 patients with probable Alzheimer’s (as per NINCDS ADRDA) (aged 73.7 ±8.1 years, MMSE: 18.3±7), and their primary caregivers (aged 59.6±14.8 years, 81.5% women), were assessed. Material and method: Cognitive impairment, neuropsychiatric symptoms and dementia severity were assessed with Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) and Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR), respectively. Caregivers were given Zarit´s Burden Interview and Carer Activity Inventory. Results:  Positive neuropsychiatric symptoms (Delusions, Hallucinations, Restlessness, Anxiety, Euphoria, Disinhibition, Unusual motor behavior, Sleep disturbances and Appetite Alterations) were the best caregiver burden predictors (NPI r=0.482, p<0.001). No correlation with cognition, disease’ stage or negative neuropsychiatric symptoms (Depression and Apathy) was found. Conclusion: In this study increased caregiver burden was related to increased levels of patient behavior disturbance. Of these symptoms, hallucinations, unusual (motor) behavior and abnormal behavior at nighttime were the most significant. No correlation with negative neuropsychiatric symptoms such as apathy and depression was found. The burden experienced by family caregivers may affect their general and mental health status. This may have relevance to appropriate interventions for caregivers.