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Observational study of quality of life of P arkinson's patients and their caregivers
Author(s) -
Corallo Francesco,
De Cola Maria Cristina,
Lo Buono Viviana,
Di Lorenzo Giuseppe,
Bramanti Placido,
Marino Silvia
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
psychogeriatrics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.647
H-Index - 32
eISSN - 1479-8301
pISSN - 1346-3500
DOI - 10.1111/psyg.12196
Subject(s) - quality of life (healthcare) , cognition , vitality , activities of daily living , medicine , clinical psychology , observational study , cognitive skill , social functioning , psychology , physical therapy , disease , gerontology , psychiatry , psychotherapist , philosophy , theology
Background Parkinson's disease ( PD ) is a degenerative disorder that leads to a decrease in cognitive performance and affects patients’ quality of life ( QoL ). The purpose of this study was to investigate the QoL of PD patients and their caregivers in relation to each patient's cognitive impairment. Methods A total of 60 subjects with idiopathic PD were recruited; all had a primary caregiver. Patients’ cognitive abilities were evaluated by the M ini‐ M ental S tate Examination, the A ctivities of Daily Living Scale, and the I nstrumental A ctivities of D aily L iving Scale. The 39‐item P arkinson's D isease Q uestionnaire and the 36‐item S hort F orm H ealth S urvey were used to assess the QoL of patients and caregivers, respectively. Results The M ini‐ M ental S tate Examination was a significant predictor of most of the QoL subscales, including mobility, stigma, social support, cognition, and physical discomfort. The A ctivities of Daily Living Scale and the I nstrumental A ctivities of D aily L iving Scale were significant predictors of mobility, activities of daily living, and cognition. Patients’ clinical conditions also significantly affected all of the 36‐item S hort F orm H ealth S urvey subscales; predicted physical functioning, bodily pain, vitality, and social role functioning on the A ctivities of Daily Living Scale; and predicted physical functioning, physical role functioning, and emotional role functioning on the M ini‐ M ental S tate Examination. Conclusions Our results confirm a relationship between PD patients QoL and the perceived burden of their caregivers. Indeed, patients’ cognitive impairment strictly correlated to lower QoL scores in both patients and caregivers and is a strong predictor of caregiver stress and burden. These results emphasize the importance of implementing early interventions to prevent or ameliorate caregivers’ burnout.

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