PARTICIPATION TO A PSYCHO-EDUCATIONAL AND SUPPORT PROGRAM CONTRIBUTES TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF PATIENTS WITH ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND THEIR CAREGIVERS

Objective: To investigate the possibility that participation to a psycho-educational and external support program improves the quality of life of AD patients and their caregivers. Methods: 25 patients with diagnosis of probable AD according to the NINCDS-ADRDA criteria and their caregivers attending regularly our Dementia Centre, were assessed at baseline and after two months. The cognitive level were investigated by MMSE, clock drawing test, M.D.B Battery, A.D.L, and I.A.D.L. The psychological and behavioural symptoms of caregivers were assessed by a N.P.I, CBI and the Anxiety and Depression scale (AD-R). Results: At the baseline the overall level of subjective burden experienced by caregivers was mainly due the restrictions in personal time and the sense of failure related to their expectation. Discussion: the quality of life of AD patients and their caregivers is greatly influenced by environmental factors. In particular behavioral disorders seriously affect the quality of life of patients and their families, and represent the most frequent cause of hospitalization in permanent structures (Bianchetti et. al. 1995). Conclusion: the results of this study suggest that partecipation to psychoeducational and external support programs contributes to improve the quality of life of patients with AD and their caregivers. References: Bianchetti et al. Predictor of mortality and institutionalization in Alzheimer’s Disease patients one year after discharge from an Alzheimer’s Dementia (1995); 6: 108-112 Deimling G.T & Bass et al. Symptoms of mental impairment among elderly adults and their effects on family caregivers. Journal of Gerontology (1986); 41: 778-784) Zanetti et al: Determinants of burden in an Italian sample of Alzheimer’s patient caregivers. Journal of Cross-Cultural Geronotology (1996); 11: 17-27.