title: Caregiver preference for rivastigmine patch relative to capsules for treatment of probable Alzheimer's disease.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Family caregivers comprise a critical component in the care of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. Among their many tasks, caregivers are responsible for administering and managing medications. Effective interventions incorporate the needs of both the AD patient and the caregiver, and understanding treatment preferences may maximize intervention effectiveness. Transdermal patches may offer advantages over conventional oral formulations.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 24-week randomized controlled trial compared the rivastigmine patch to the rivastigmine capsule and placebo in patients with probable AD. At baseline and Weeks 8 and 24, the AD Caregiver Preference Questionnaire (ADCPQ) was used to evaluate caregiver expectations, preferences and satisfaction with treatment. Double-dummy treatment blinding ensured that caregiver preference for the patch or capsule was not confounded by perceptions of efficacy or tolerability. Reasons for preference were also elicited. The analytic sample included caregivers who completed the ADCPQ at Weeks 8 and/or 24.
  
  
  RESULTS
  One thousand and fifty-nine caregivers completed the ADCPQ. More than 70% of caregivers preferred the rivastigmine patch to the capsule. The patch was significantly preferred to the capsule with respect to ease of following the schedule and ease of use. Caregivers indicated greater satisfaction overall, greater satisfaction with administration, and less interference with daily life with the patch versus the capsule (all p<or=0.01).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Caregivers of AD patients preferred the patch to the capsule for drug delivery. Preference for the rivastigmine patch could potentially lead to improved compliance and improved clinical benefits.
authors.affiliation: Karolinska Institutet Alzheimer Research Center, Huddinge, Sweden. Bengt.Winblad@ki.se
authors.forename: Bengt
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Winblad
authors.forename: Ariane K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Kawata
authors.forename: Kathleen M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Beusterien
authors.forename: Simu K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.forename: Anders
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wimo
authors.forename: Roger
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lane
authors.forename: Howard
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Fillit
authors.forename: Rafael
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Blesa
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D002214:Capsules; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D002755:Choice Behavior; D017281:Cost of Illness; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D048448:Phenylcarbamates / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D000068836:Rivastigmine; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D002214:Capsules; D048448:Phenylcarbamates; D000068836:Rivastigmine