Health-related quality-of-life and burden for caregivers of individuals with neurogenic orthostatic hypotension.

Abstract

Aim: This study explores the burden of caring for an individual with neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (nOH) and an underlying neurodegenerative disease (Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy, pure autonomic failure or dementia with Lewy bodies). Materials & methods: A survey including several validated instruments was conducted with informal caregivers of individuals with Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy, pure autonomic failure or dementia with Lewy bodies. Results: Caregivers of patients with nOH (n=60) reported greater burden across all outcomes compared withthose without nOH (n=60). Receiving pharmacological treatment for nOH was the variable most consistently associated with significantly better caregiver health-related quality-of-life (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study demonstrates the burden of nOH on informal caregivers and highlights the potential benefit of pharmacological treatment not only for patients but also indirectly, their caregivers.