The needs of the caregiver in the long-term treatment of Alzheimer disease.
The long-term well-being of caregivers should be included as part of the treatment of patients with Alzheimer disease (AD). Throughout the process of caring for patients with AD, caregivers frequently experience social, emotional, physical, and financial losses, which become more significant as the disease progresses. Minimizing these losses is a goal in the overall management of AD. Successful treatment of the patient has been shown to positively impact quality of life for the caregiver. Randomized, controlled studies of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) have demonstrated the effectiveness of these agents in stabilizing cognitive function and delaying behavioral symptoms. Moreover, a decrease in the incidence of nursing home placement has been associated with this therapy. The growing burden of AD on families and society as a whole warrants the investigation of ways to minimize the impact of AD. AChEIs play an important role in this effort. Further studies are needed to more closely examine the impact of specific AChEIs on caregiver burden.
Bullock
Roger
R
Kingshill Research Centre, Victoria Hospital, Swindon, UK. roger.bullock@kingshill-research.org
D000368:Aged; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017281:Cost of Illness; D018450:Disease Progression; D005702:Galantamine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D018697:Nootropic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors; D018697:Nootropic Agents; D005702:Galantamine