Natalia Verez Cotelo
San Pablo CEU University,Spain
Title: Burden and associated pathologies in family caregivers of Alzheimer’s disease patients in Spain
Biography
Biography: Natalia Verez Cotelo
Abstract
In Spain, as in other Mediterranean countries, family caregivers play an essential role in caring for patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Given the high demands on caregivers of AD patients, they may experience physical, psychological or social consequences as a result of caregiving. Several factors are associated with the onset of caregiver burden, including the social support available, AD patient’s health, and the place where they live. A cross-sectional study with 175 family informal caregivers was conducted at a community pharmacy and in family caregivers associations in Galicia (Spain). Demographic variables were collected, and the following questionnaires were administered: the Beck Depression Inventory-II, STAI-Anxiety Questionnaire, Zarit Burden Scale, family APGAR scale, and the Duke-UNC questionnaire. The typical caregiver profile consists of a 56-year old women with a primary education who belongs to a functional family. Nearly a half (48%) of caregivers had a high perception of burden, with anxiety in 37% of caregivers and symptoms of depression in 25%. Family caregivers usually went to the same pharmacy (93%), were treated with psychotropic drugs (39%) and interacted with the pharmacist (90%). The caregivers from cities of The Atlantic Ocean zone presented a major level of overload and anxiety that those of the interior of Galicia. The caregiver members of family caregivers associations showed major overload and anxious symptoms that those who aren´t members of any association. The cultural standard, a good familiar function and the social received support act as "protective" factors. This study confirmed that pharmacists can help caregivers finding signs of psychopathology in order to improve their psychological health.
