126ARE FEAR OF FALLING AND CAREGIVER BURDEN ASSOCIATED WITH COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT AMONG PEOPLE WITH PARKINSON’S DISEASE?

Abstract

Background: cognitive impairment affects many people with Parkinson’s (PwP) and falling is also common. Falls can lead to a fear of falling (FOF) among PwP and high caregiver burden among their close relatives, both of which can be detrimental to an individual’s quality of life. The aim of this study was to examine whether FOF among PwP and caregiver burden in their relatives are affected by cognitive impairment. A secondary outcome was to determine whether FOF among PwP is associated with caregiver burden among their relatives. Methods: PwP and their caregivers were recruited through Parkinson’s UK support groups and data was collected in the form of questionnaires as part of a larger study. Cognitive impairment was self-reported. FOF was evaluated using the short Falls Efficacy Scale (FES – I) and caregiver burden was tested using the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI). Data was analysed using SPSS – 24. Results: 61 PwP (mean age 74 years; 67% male; median time since diagnosis 10 years) and 56 caregivers were recruited. 13 PwP (21%) reported cognitive impairment. The median FOF score for all PwP was high at 14/28 (IQR 11, 20). FOF was significantly higher in PwP who had cognitive impairment compared to those without (21 vs 13, P = 0.02) and particularly related to dressing, bathing or showering, rising from a chair, reaching for an object and climbing stairs. Mean caregiver burden for all 56 caregivers was also high at 21/40 (SD = 9.6). It was significantly higher in caregivers of PwP with cognitive impairment compared to those without (27 vs 19, P = 0.007). Importantly, a correlation was found between FOF and caregiver burden in PwP with cognitive impairment (P = 0.06, r = 0.580) compared to those without (P = 0.996; r = 0.0001). Conclusion: PwP with cognitive impairment had an increased FOF and their caregivers reported a greater sense of caregiver burden. A correlation was found between FOF and caregiver burden among PwP living with cognitive impairment. These findings suggest that PwP with cognitive impairment and their carers should be offered additional support. However, this study was conducted with a small sample making generalisation to a wider population difficult and further research is needed.