Caregivers Of Alzheimer's Disease Patients Research Articles

The Multifaceted Pressures Faced by Family Caregivers of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a well-known neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the accumulation of amyloid β and tau proteins in the brain, leading to progressive cognitive decline and an eventual inability to perform daily tasks. While significant research has focused on the impact of AD on patients, less attention has been given to the challenges faced by their caregivers, who are primarily family members providing crucial support. The gap in research lies in the limited understanding of the multifaceted challenges, encompassing physical, psychological, and financial burdens, experienced by caregivers of AD patients. Although some recent studies have explored coping strategies, there is a lack of a comprehensive examination of how these strategies relate to caregivers' subjective perceptions of burden, and these studies often address specific caregiving situations without delving into the ongoing coping process. This research aims to comprehensively investigate the mental, physical, and financial burdens encountered by caregivers of AD patients and explore potential measures to alleviate these burdens. Specifically, it seeks to shed light on the coping behaviors and resources employed by caregivers, how these relate to their perceived burden, and how these challenges impact their overall well-being, employment, and quality of life. The research will draw from both domestic and international studies, with a focus on recent developments in understanding the challenges faced by caregivers. In summary, family caregivers contend with emotional and role-related conflicts, disrupted routines, missed career prospects, substantial professional care expenses, and diminished social engagement.

A Mobile Application to Assist Alzheimer's Caregivers During COVID-19 Pandemic: Development and Evaluation.

Access to healthcare services for patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) was limited during the COVID-19 pandemic. A mobile application (app) can help overcome this limitation for patients and caregivers. Our study aims to develop and evaluate an app to help caregivers of patients with AD during COVID-19. The study was performed in three steps. First, a questionnaire of features required for the app design was prepared based on the interviews with caregivers of AD patients and neurologists. Then, questionnaire was provided to neurologists, medical informatics, and health information management specialists to identify the final features. Second, the app was designed using the information obtained from the previous phase. Third, the quality of the app and the level of user satisfaction were evaluated using the mobile app rating scale (MARS) and the questionnaire for user interface satisfaction (QUIS), respectively. The number of 41 data elements in four groups (patient's profile, COVID-19 management and control, AD management and control, and program functions) were identified for designing the app. The quality evaluation of the app based on MARS and user satisfaction evaluation based on QUIS showed the app was good. This is the first study that focused on developing and evaluating a mobile app for assisting Alzheimer's caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the app was designed based on users' needs and covered both information about AD and COVID-19, it can help caregivers perform their tasks more efficiently.

Quality of sleep among caregivers of Alzheimer disease patients: cross-sectional study from Saudi Arabia

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia and represents a major health burden. Characterized by gradual decline in cognitive function, leading to dependency and changes in behavior and personality. Patients with AD need continuous care, which may affect the caregiver’s quality of life, including sleep quality. The aim of this study was to assess sleep quality among AD patients’ caregivers and its determinants in Aseer region, Saudi Arabia.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 110 caregivers of AD patients at Abha Mental Health Hospital. The caregivers’ sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). A global PSQI cutoff value of 5 or higher was considered as indicative of poor sleep quality.Results: Female caregivers’ constituted 53.6% of the sample, and 50% were below the age of 40 years. The majority of the caregivers (64.5%) reported that they had experienced sleep disturbances during past month and 10% needed medication approximately three or more times a week to help them sleep. Almost two-thirds of the caregivers (60%) spent more than 10 hours daily with their patients. Regarding sleep hygiene, 40.9% of the caregivers rated their sleep quality as poor and only 10.9% had good sleep quality.Conclusions: The burden on caregivers of AD patients is considerable and often under-recognized; in particular; most caregivers in the Saudi population were young and of working age. Poor sleep quality affected the caregivers’ day life activities but typically remained undertreated.

MINDFULNESS TRAINING FOR CAREGIVERS OF ALZHEIMER PATIENTS: PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Mindfulness Based Health Care (MBHC) provides meditation techniques that may help to mitigate negative impact of dementia caregiving. We conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial with two parallel groups including 42 caregivers of Alzheimer patients (21 pairs). MBHC group learned the practice of mindfulness meditation once a week through 8 classes; control group did not receive any therapy. Anxiety and depression symptoms were the primary outcomes assessed in two occasions, i.e. at baseline and the end of the program, using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale respectively. Neuropsychiatric disorders of Alzheimer patients were also measured with Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Questionnaire. The details of the randomized controlled trial were described in clinicaltrial.gov NCT03858283. In this abstract, we presented the results of a pilot study conducted with 42 caregivers. Robust linear regression using MM-type estimator was performed to evaluate the changes in neuropsychiatric disorders in patients and anxiety and depression symptoms in caregivers adjusting for Score of Scale Global Deterioration. We observed that, compared to the control group, the MBHC group showed a tendency to a reduction in the total score Neuropsychiatric Inventor (β=-5.20; CI 95%: -10.47; 0.07) and the depression symptoms in the caregivers (β=-2.30; CI 95%: -5.43; 0.83). However, no changes were observed in the anxiety symptoms of the caregivers. In conclusion, the results of this pilot study suggested a positive effective on the reduction of neuropsychiatric symptoms in patents as well as on the depression in the caregivers. Nevertheless, these findings should be confirmed in a further complete study.

Ansiedad y autoeficacia en cuidadores de pacientes con Alzheimer

Antecedentes: En España, la enfermedad de Alzheimer es la primera de las enfermedades degenerativas por número de pacientes, así como la primera causa de demencia en la población de mayores. En un alto porcentaje de estos casos, son las familias quienes asumen el cuidado de estos enfermos. Y de estos cuidadores el 65% de ellos sufrirán cambios vitales y una merma en su salud psico-física, llegando el 20% a desarrollar cuadros de Burnout. Objetivos: Averiguar los niveles de ansiedad y autoeficacia en cuidadores de enfermos de Alzheimer. Planteando la hipótesis de que existen diferencias en cuanto a las variables objeto de estudio dependiendo de las ayudas, horas de dedicación y antigüedad en los cuidados. Muestra: Se escogió una muestra de 56 cuidadores de pacientes de Alzheimer a través de la Asociación de Alzheimer de Salamanca. Método: Se les aplicó, el test STAI de ansiedad (Spielberger) y otro de autoeficacia (Sherer) y se recogieron datos sociodemográficos, dedicación diaria, antigüedad de cuidador y ayudas externas recibidas. Se tabularon los datos y se averiguaron estadísticos descriptivos e inferenciales a través del SPSS. Resultados: Los resultados indican que variables como autoeficacia y ansiedad están moduladas respecto al tiempo de dedicación a los cuidados, disminuyendo la ansiedad y aumentando la autoeficacia con la duración de éstos. Sucede lo mismo con estas variables respecto a la antigüedad de cuidador. Y según las ayudas que reciben, las de psicólogos aportan mayor autoeficacia mientras que las ayudas médicas dan menor ansiedad. Conclusión: Se han verificado las hipótesis de la investigación así la mayor antigüedad en los cuidados facilita mejorar su ansiedad y aumentar la autoeficacia. El tiempo de dedicación proporciona mayor autoeficacia y menor ansiedad. Y las ayudas externas profesionales son positivas para la salud del cuidador, aunque proporcionan mayor autoeficacia y menor ansiedad en función de la especialidad de quien las proporciona.

The synthesized transporter K16APoE enabled the therapeutic HAYED peptide to cross the blood-brain barrier and remove excess iron and radicals in the brain, thus easing Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is currently incurable and places a large burden on the caregivers of AD patients. In the AD brain, iron is abundant, catalyzing free radicals and impairing neurons. The blood-brain barrier hampers antidementia drug delivery via circulation to the brain, which limits the therapeutic effects of drugs. Here, according to the method described by Gobinda, we synthesized a 16 lysine (K) residue-linked low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP)-binding amino acid segment of apolipoprotein E (K16APoE). By mixing this protein with our designed therapeutic peptide HAYED, we successfully transported HAYED into an AD model mouse brain, and the peptide scavenged excess iron and radicals and decreased the necrosis of neurons, thus easing AD.

Prevalence and risk factors for depression among caregivers of Alzheimer disease patients

Background: Alzheimer's disease is the most common neurodegenerative disorder which leads to decline in cognitive function and inability to perform the activity of daily living. Patients need frequent assistant and attention by caregivers which can lead to physical and psychological stress or depression.

Health-related quality of life in caregivers of patients with Alzheimer disease

IntroductionInformal caregivers of patients with Alzheimer disease (AD) have a poor health-related quality of life (HRQOL). HRQOL is an increasingly common user-focused outcome measure. We have evaluated HRQOL longitudinally in caregivers of AD patients at baseline and at 12 months. MethodsNinety-seven patients diagnosed with AD according to the NINCDS-ADRDA (National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke, and Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association) and their 97 respective primary caregivers were included in the study. We analysed the following data at the baseline visit: sociodemographic data of both patients and carers, patients’ clinical variables, and data related to the healthcare provided to patients by carers. HRQOL of caregivers was measured with the SF-36 questionnaire at baseline and 12 months later. ResultsAt 12 months, primary caregivers scored lower in the 8 subscales of the SF-36 questionnaire; differences were statistically significant in all dimensions except for ‘physical function’ and ‘social function’. Baseline scores in our sample were lower than those of the general population. ‘Vitality’ is the dimension that presented the lowest scores. ConclusionHRQOL in caregivers of patients with AD deteriorates over time and is poorer than that of the age- and sex-matched general population.

Core self-evaluation and depression among caregivers of Alzheimer disease patients

IntroductionCaregivers of Alzheimer Disease (AD) patients suffer from chronic stress and psychophysical burden, which often lead to depression symptoms. It seems that core self-evaluation (CSE), coping with stress and social support might be modifying factors in coping with situation of caregiving.AimsThe aims of the study were to examine: (1) level of depression; (2) relationships between CSE, style of coping with stress, social functioning and depression severity among caregivers.MethodsThe study involved 60 caregivers of AD patients who were children of the sick and have been caring for at least one year. It was cross-sectional and assessed by questionnaires. Following tools were used: Core Self-Evaluation, Beck Depression Inventory, Coping Inventory for Stress Situations, Distress Thermometer and an original questionnaire assessing the situation of caregiving.ResultsA total of 51.7% of responders demonstrated severity of depression symptoms, associated to at least one mild clinical depression episode. The factors introduced to the model explained 65% variance of depression symptoms. Predictors of greater depression symptoms proved to be: low CSE (ΔR2 = 0.32; β = −0.12), low social support (ΔR2 = 0.08; β = −0.27), low life satisfaction (ΔR2 = 0.02, β = −0.26), high levels of distress (ΔR2 = 0.12, β = 0.31), coping style focused on emotions (ΔR2 = 0.12, β = 0.17).ConclusionsIn the area of caregivers’ psychological assistance and depression therapy, interventions leading to increase of CSE and providing adequate social support that contributes to better care provision and maintaining proper self-image, should be taken into consideration.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Perceived physical health in family caregivers of Alzheimer patients: Mediator variables

The aim of this work is to know the mediating role of such variables as social support and cope as other associated with Positive Psychology in family caregivers of Alzheimer patients. Method: Participants: 140 caregivers of Alzheimer patients. Instruments: Sociodemographic data; CBI Caregiver Burden Scale; COPE Coping Styles Scale; DUKE.UNC Social Support Scale; QOLLTI-F, Quality of Life in Life Threatening Illness Scale–Family Carers Version; SHS, Subjective Happiness Scale; SWLS, Satisfaction with Life Scale. Results: The most relevant results refer to the partial mediating role of happiness, quality of life and life satisfaction variables between subjective burden and perceived physical health. Conclusions and discussion: Positive Psychology variables such as happiness, quality of life and life satisfaction have shown a mediating role between the perception that Alzheimer's caregivers have of care burden and physical health. We believe that this finding is an important step in the future development and implementation of intervention programs for caregivers that promote variables with positive connotation, because they would change the perception of their own burden and physical health, making them happier and with greater satisfaction and quality of life.

Social support as a mediator variable of the relationship between depression and life satisfaction in a sample of Saudi caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's disease.

Caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease (AD) is very challenging. Social support may play a crucial role in helping caregivers to adapt better to their caregiving role. The aim of this study is to explore the role of social support as a moderator variable of the relationship between depression and life satisfaction in caregivers for patients with AD in Saudi Arabia. In this cross-sectional study, 122 caregivers for patients with AD completed questionnaires assessing informal social support, depressive symptoms, and general life satisfaction. The demographic characteristics showed that 79% (n = 96) of caregivers were females and between the ages of 20 and 50. Higher levels of social support positively correlated with reported higher levels of life satisfaction (r = 0.483, p < 0.001). Depression was negatively correlated with social support (r = -0.418, p < 0.001) and life satisfaction scores (r = -0.553, p = < 0.001). Social support was found to be a partial mediator variable, mediating approximately 23.05% of the total effect of depression on life satisfaction (Sobel = -3.065, p = 0.002). Informal social support can act as a mediator variable in the relationship of depression and life satisfaction in caregivers of AD patients. Improving the informal social support networks may help in coping with caregiving burden and better quality of life.

The Savvy Caregiver Program: A Probe Multicenter Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial in Caregivers of Patients Affected by Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a major cause of disability in the elderly, leading to a considerable burden on caregivers and high costs to society. Psycho-education programs such as the Savvy Caregiver Program (SCP) are reported to be a successful means of reducing caregivers' distress through various intervention strategies. The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy of the SCP in reducing the burden and psychological symptoms in caregivers of AD patients and to analyze the coping strategies adopted by the caregivers. The study was designed as a multicenter, randomized, controlled, pilot clinical trial. One hundred and sixty-four caregivers of patients with probable AD were randomized. The SCP was structured in six, weekly, two-hour sessions. All the clinical scales were administered before treatment, two weeks and six months after treatment. Caregivers in the SCP group displayed better coping strategies adopted to positive attitudes, and they tended to be less anxious and less depressed than those in the control group. However, caregiver burden levels were not reduced in SCP caregivers. The patients of SCP caregivers received a lower number of new prescriptions of neuroleptics during the 6 months of follow-up than the patients of control caregivers and apathy was the neuropsychiatric symptom that improved most as a result of the SCP. The results of this study suggest that the SCP may improve coping strategies of caregivers of people affected by AD, influencing their psychological symptoms and those of their patients.

Calidad de vida relacionada con la salud en cuidadores de pacientes con enfermedad de Alzheimer

IntroductionInformal caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) have a poor health-related quality of life (HRQOL). HRQOL is an increasingly common user-focused outcome measure. We have evaluated HRQOL longitudinally in caregivers of AD patients at baseline and at 12 months. MethodsNinety-seven patients diagnosed with AD according to the NINCDS-ADRDA (National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke, and Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association) and their 97 respective primary caregivers were included in the study. We analysed the following data at the baseline visit: sociodemographic data of both patients and carers, patients’ clinical variables, and data related to the healthcare provided to patients by carers. HRQOL of caregivers was measured with the SF-36 questionnaire at baseline and 12 months later. ResultsAt 12 months, primary caregivers scored lower in the 8 subscales of the SF-36 questionnaire; differences were statistically significant in all dimensions except for ‘physical function’ and ‘social function’. Baseline scores in our sample were lower than those of the general population. ‘Vitality’ is the dimension that presented the lowest scores. ConclusionHRQOL in caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's disease deteriorates over time and is poorer than that of the age- and sex-matched general population.

Hostility and emotional load of Tunisian caregivers of Alzheimer patients and its impact on the patient

Introduction The studies on Alzheimer disease highlight the family caregivers burden and his consequences on hostility. Few authors study the burden and the mental health of the caregivers of a demented relative. Aims This study aims at assessing the hostility and emotional load of caregivers of Alzheimer patients and determining the relation between the burden and the psychic health caregivers and its impact on the patient. Methods It is a descriptive cross-sectional study. Patients were recruited from the neurology department of Razi hospital Tunisia between January and June 2013. Consenting caregivers participating in the study were interviewed with a structured survey focused on their socio-demographic characteristics, the characteristics of the aid relationship and the emotional burden felt valued by the Family Attitude Scale (FAS). Results The caregiver was in nearly 60% a child. He lived under the same roof in 78.3% of cases. In 65% of cases, it passes between 12 and 24hours with the patient. FAS score was 52.4±16.16. Thirty-five percent of caregivers had a significant emotional burden (score>60). FAS score was not correlated with the age of the helping relationship, cohabitation with the patient or the number of hours spent with him. The children had a greater emotional charge than spouses ( P =0.001). The wickedness against the patient and abuse, the desire to institutionalize were related to the importance of the emotional charge ( P Conclusions These hostile thoughts are mostly directed against the patient but it can also be directed against oneself causing depression and guilt.

Desarrollo de un programa psicoeducativo en inteligencia emocional para cuidadores principales de enfermos de Alzheimer

A comienzos del año 2000 se dieron los primeros pasos en la constatación empírica de los efectos beneficiosos de la Inteligencia Emocional (IE) sobre las personas. Sin embargo, y a pesar de estudiarse los beneficios de este constructo en diversos ámbitos como el educativo, el laboral o el de la salud, no existen demasiados trabajos centrados en el estudio que la IE pude tener sobre las habilidades sociales de los Cuidadores de Enfermos de Alzheimer. En el presente trabajo se evalúan las Habilidades Sociales y la IE de los cuidadores de enfermos de Alzheimer. Se realiza una intervención psicoeducativa a 21 cuidadores informales de enfermos de Alzheimer con un grupo experimental y un grupo control de las asociaciones de enfermos de Alzheimer de Alicante y Elche. Tras la intervención, se observa que los niveles de IE emocional en el grupo experimental se han mantenido. Los cuidadores verbalizaban una mejora tras la intervención. Creemos que los resultados son buenos como estudio preliminar y que sería interesante ampliar tanto el número de horas del taller como el de sujetos para poder generalizar los resultadosobtenidos.

The Relationship between Emotional Intelligence and Socioeconomic status of caregivers on the Quality of Life in patient’s with Alzheimer’s dementia

Dementia of Alzheimer’s type (DAT) is the most common cause of dementia in the older people. The importance of Emotional Intelligence is in equipping caregivers to deal efficiently with Alzheimer patients. The current study seeks to evaluate the role played by Emotional Intelligence and Socio-economic Status of caregivers of Alzheimer patients on the Quality of Life of Alzheimer patients. The total numbers of participants in the study were 60 caregivers of Alzheimer patients who were given tests of Emotional Intelligence scale and Alzheimer’s disease Related Quality of Life (ADRQoL). The data was analysed using appropriate statistical methods. The Emotional Intelligence and the socioeconomic status of caregivers of Alzheimer patients had no significant effect on the Quality of Life of Alzheimer patients and major statistical significance was noted. Further enquiry into other factors affecting the Quality of Life of Alzheimer patients is warranted.

Burden, anxiety and depression in caregivers of Alzheimer patients in the Dominican Republic.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) has a major impact by limiting the ability to live independently. This condition of dependency involves all members of the family, particularly those who take direct care of patients. The changes that take place in caregivers' lives may alter their health and have an effect on the care of the sick.ObjectiveTo determine the presence of burden, anxiety and depression in caregivers of Alzheimer's patients.MethodA descriptive cross-sectional study was performed in 67 family caregivers from the Alzheimer's Clinic Research Unit, Memory and Alzheimer, in the city of Santiago, Dominican Republic. Caregivers were evaluated for burden intensity with the Zarit scale and for both depression and anxiety using the respective Hamilton scales. Descriptive statistical analysis and Pearson correlation were used.Results84% of caregivers were female, and 52% were older than 50 years. A total of 36% exhibited caregiver burden; 19% anxiety symptoms; and 43% depressive symptoms. No statistical significance was found between age, sex and number of hours of care. A significant association was found in the Pearson correlation coefficient between caregiver burden, anxiety and depression.ConclusionCaregiver burden was associated with anxiety and depression. It is important for health professionals to include caregiver assessments in the treatment protocols of dementia. Policy should include support programs for carers.

Development of a Psychoeducational Program in Emotional Intelligence for Primary Caregivers of Alzheimer Patients

In early 2000 the first steps in the empirical evidence of the effects that a good emotional intelligence (EI ) can have on people, however, despite the benefits of studied this construct in various fields such as education, labor or health, there are not many studies focusing on the study of skills that EI has on caregivers of Alzheimer. In this paper Social Skills and IE caregivers of Alzheimer patients are evaluated. A psychoeducational intervention to 21 informal caregivers of Alzheimer's patients with an experimental group and a control group in the Alzheimer associations of Alicante and Elche. After surgery, it is observed that the levels of emotional IE in the experimental group were maintained. Caregivers verbalized an improvement after surgery. We believe that the results are good as a preliminary study and it would be interesting to expand both the number of hours of the workshop as the subject in order to generalize the results.

Development of a Psychoeducational Program in Emotional Intelligence for Primary Caregivers of Alzheimer Patients

In early 2000 the first steps in the empirical evidence of the effects that a good emotional intelligence (EI ) can have on people, however, despite the benefits of studied this construct in various fields such as education, labor or health, there are not many studies focusing on the study of skills that EI has on caregivers of Alzheimer. In this paper Social Skills and IE caregivers of Alzheimer patients are evaluated. A psychoeducational intervention to 21 informal caregivers of Alzheimer's patients with an experimental group and a control group in the Alzheimer associations of Alicante and Elche. After surgery, it is observed that the levels of emotional IE in the experimental group were maintained. Caregivers verbalized an improvement after surgery. We believe that the results are good as a preliminary study and it would be interesting to expand both the number of hours of the workshop as the subject in order to generalize the results.

Health-Related Quality of Life and Self-Efficacy of Managing Behavior Problems for Family Caregivers of Vascular Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease Patients

Background: Little is known about the differences in patients' behavioral problems and health outcomes of family caregivers of patients with vascular dementia (VaD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Methods: A secondary analysis of baseline data on a subsample of caregiver-dementia patient dyads in a randomized clinical trial. Results: Family caregivers of VaD patients reported higher self-efficacy than caregivers of AD patients in handling verbally nonaggressive and verbally aggressive behaviors. Caregivers of VaD patients had poorer health-related quality of life (HRQoL) than caregivers of AD patients considering role disability due to physical health problems, bodily pain, social function, and physical component summary. Greater self-efficacy was associated with better mental health-related outcomes for family caregivers of VaD patients, and better self-care ability of VaD patients was associated with better caregiver mental health-related outcomes. Caring for a patient with more severe dementia predicted poor physical health-related outcomes in role disability due to physical health problems, but better overall mental health (mental component summary) for caregivers. Conclusion: This study is the first to examine and compare the behavioral problems of AD and VaD patients in a Chinese population, along with their family caregivers' self-efficacy and health outcomes. Family caregivers of patients with VaD might warrant specific attention to their HRQoL, with interventions developed to enhance their self-efficacy.