Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BTSD) and Caregiver Burden among Caregivers of Alzheimer's Dementia Patients at Department of Psychiatry, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital

Abstract

ABSTRACT
Objectives: To study the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), and the caregiver burden among caregivers of Alzheimer’s dementia patients and the associated factors of BPSD and caregiver burden.
Method: Descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted. Of 90 caregivers were recruited from the Department of Psychiatry, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital during August to November 2011. Instruments used 3 questionnaires: 1) demographic questionnaire, 2) Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), and 3) Behavioral Pathology in Alzheimer’s Disease Rating Scale (BEHAVE-AD). Chi-square test and logistic regression were used to analyse the predictor of BPSD and burden of caregivers who took care of Alzheimer’s dementia patients.
Results: Most of the Alzheimer’s dementia patients were female (68.9%) with average aged 77.7 years. and average duration of illness was 4.6 years. The average Thai Mental State Examination (TMSE) scores was 19.5. Most of them had at least one symptom of BPSD that minimally affected the caregivers (46.7%). Factors associated with BPSD were the duration of illness above 4 years (p<0.05) and the TMSE scores of <23 (p<0.01). Most of the caregivers were female (86.7%) with average aged
49.44 years. Most of them (68.9%) had burden. The associated factors of caregiver burden were caregiver’s age, occupation and income (p<0.05), patient age (p<0.05), and impact degree of
BPSD (p<0.01). The predictor of caregiver burden was the moderate to severe level of impact of BPSD (p<0.01).
Conclusion: BPSD was a common problem in almost all patients. Impact of BPSD is associated with caregiver burden. Therefore, reducing the caregiver burden should focus on treatment of BPSD and psychological care on caregivers.