Analysis of Selected Determinants of Burden in Caregivers of People With Alzheimer’s Disease

Abstract

Introduction. Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases. This condition is progressive in nature. In Europe, Alzheimer’s disease is estimated to affect mainly people over the age of 60. It is estimated that currently, around 357,000 people in Poland suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, which is a 5% increase compared to 2014.

Aim. The aim of this study is to assess the level of burden and analyse the factors determining this burden among family caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease.

Material and Methods. The study included 100 caregivers and patients with Alzheimer’s disease. The research was conducted at the Provincial Specialist Hospital in Wrocław and the Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment Centre in Ścinawa from 1 November 2023 to 1 March 2024. The study sample consisted of 89 women and 11 men, aged 30–81 years. Participants provided written consent for the study, had no cognitive impairments, and were under the age of 90. Two participants were excluded due to advanced age. The study employed a diagnostic survey method using a questionnaire technique. Data were collected using an author-developed sociodemographic questionnaire with 10 questions concerning age, support from relatives, relationship to the patient, and the time spent caring for the patient. The questionnaire was anonymous and completed in the presence of the researcher. Additionally, four standardised questionnaires were used: the Global Deterioration Scale (GDS), the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) Scale, the Caregiver Burden Scale (CB Scale), and the Mini-COPE Inventory for Measuring Coping with Stress.

Results. The analysis of the research material revealed that in most cases, caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease experience high levels of burden in 4 out of 5 assessed areas. Only in the “environment” area is the burden at a medium level. A higher degree of clinical symptoms in Alzheimer’s patients correlated with a greater burden on caregivers. Furthermore, a lower ability of the Alzheimer’s patient to perform activities of daily living, as measured by the IADL scale, was associated with a higher burden on the caregiver. The amount of time spent caring for the patient did not affect the caregiver’s burden (p>0.05). Caregivers who had been caring for the patient for more than 12 years exhibited the lowest level of burden.

Conclusions. The difficulties associated with the burden of care for caregivers of people with AD represent a significant clinical, social and also economic problem. Moreover, they significantly reduce the quality of life of caregivers, often taking away the joy of caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease. (JNNN 2024;13(4):147–155)