Quality of life and cholinesterase inhibitors: a qualitative study of patients with Alzheimer's disease and their carers.
OBJECTIVE
Cholinesterase inhibitors' (ChEIs) impact on cognitive functioning in Alzheimer's disease has been extensively researched. The effect of ChEIs on improving day-to-day living and quality of life in conjunction with level of functioning for patients or their carers has not been investigated.


METHODS
Five spouse dyads (patient and carer) and one additional carer were interviewed about their perceptions of ChEIs in relation to their influence on daily life for both parties. Interviews were transcribed and thematic analysis conducted.


RESULTS
Themes identified were forgetfulness, differences in long-term versus short-term memory, independence/dependence, negative emotion, no appreciable benefit, sense of hopelessness, carer as motivator, stabilization of the patient, and never regain what has been lost.


CONCLUSIONS
This study suggests that ChEI medication does not enhance life for the patient or their primary caregiver. Further qualitative and quantitative research is required into the impact of ChEIs upon both the patient and their caregivers.
Smith
Bethany
B
Discipline of Psychiatry at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, University of Adelaide, SA, Australia.
Chur-Hansen
Anna
A
Neale
Alice
A
Symon
Jonathon
J
D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017281:Cost of Illness; D004644:Emotions / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D011939:Mental Recall / Q000187:drug effects; D009042:Motivation; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011358:Product Surveillance, Postmarketing; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D013021:South Australia; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors