P4-182: The behavioral disturbances in mild-moderate and severe stages of Alzheimer’s disease

Abstract

To investigate the frequency and severity of the behavioral symptoms in Alzheimer's disease patients and the burden placed on their caregivers. The sample consists of 129 community–dwelling Alzheimer's disease patients at mild–moderate and severe stages of Alzheimer's Disease (Global Deterioration Scale, GDS, 3, 4, 5 and 6). Caregivers using Neuropsychiatric inventory were interviewed. The frequency and severity of the most common behavioral disturbances in dementia and their relationship with the GDS were investigated. In addition, those behavioral symptoms influence in caregivers well being was analyzed. The most frequent behavioral disturbances exhibited by mild moderate Alzheimer's disease patients were: Apathy, followed by Anxiety and Irritability. Concerning to behavioral symptoms severity, Anxiety, Apathy and finally, Irritability were the most severe. Depression, Apathy and Agitation were the most distressing behavioral symptoms for the caregivers. Results show that there is a significant relation (p<0.05) between GDS value and Hallucination behavior's severity and the score obtained in Frequency X Severity (FxS). Another significant association (p<0.05) observed was between Anxiety's Frequency X Severity (FxS) and GDS value. The most frequent behavioral disturbances exhibited by the patients at the severe stage were Apathy, Anxiety and Aberrant Motor Behavior. Anxiety, Apathy and Irritability were the most severe behavioural symptoms. Caregivers manifested that Depression, Deliriums and Night–time behavioral disturbances were the most distressing behavioral problems. The regression analysis revealed that there was a significant relation (p<0.05) between GDS value and Hallucination behavior's frequency, severity and the score obtained in Frequency × Severity (FxS). Another significant (p<0.05) association observed was among Anxiety behavior's frequency and Anxiety symptoms Frequency × Severity (FxS) with GDS value. Finally, there was a statistically significant relation (p<0.05) among all the Neuropsychiatric items and the distress or burden on the caregivers, in both the mild–moderate and severe stages of Alzheimer's disease. The management of behavioral symptoms in Alzheimer's disease patients is important for patients who suffer from dementia and their caregivers. Over 80% of Alzheimer's disease patients live at home and receive care from family and friends. Many family caregivers have difficulty managing behavioral symptoms of community–dwelling persons with dementia.