Patients’ versus caregivers’ reports of quality of life in elderly patients with cognitive impairment

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundA few studies have examined the differences between patient and caregiver reported Quality of Life (QOL) in patients with dementia. The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences between patient and caregiver ratings on QOL in elderly patients with cognitive impairment and assessed the relationship of patient QOL and cognitive function, and depression.MethodForty‐seven elderly patients with cognitive impairment and their caregivers participated. Patient QOL was assessed using by the Korean version of Quality of Life‐Alzheimer's Disease (KQOL‐AD) scale. Each patient and caregiver rated the patient QOL. Korean Mini Mental Status Exam in the Korean version of the CERAD assessment packet(MMSE‐KC) and Short form of the Geriatric Depression Scale(SGDS) were also assessed.ResultThere were no significant differences between patient and caregiver ratings on all QOL items except marriage. There were significant correlations between patient and caregiver reports of patient on all QOL items except marriage and total KQOL‐AD scores. Total KQOL‐AD Scores of patient QOL were positively significant correlated with MMSE‐KC scores and were negatively significant correlated with SGDS scores.ConclusionPatient and caregiver reported QOL in elderly patients with cognitive impairment did not differ. Elderly patients seem to be able to assess their own QOL properly although they have impairment in cognitive function. Depression of elderly patients with cognitive impairment adversely affects patient QOL.