Anxiety and Depression in Caregivers are Associated with Patient and Caregiver Characteristics in Alzheimer's Disease

Objective: The aim of this study is to know the prevalence of anxiety and depression in caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and assess the association of caregiver burden (CB) with characteristics of both patients and caregivers. Method: Sociodemographic and clinical variables have been obtained (patients: age, gender, marital status, years of education, duration and severity of dementia, psychiatric disorders, previous history, and use of psychoactive and antidementia drugs; caregivers: age, gender, relationship with patient, and marital status). Cognition was assessed with Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE); severity of dementia was assessed with Global Deterioration Scale (GDS); caregiver burden was assessed with Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and the number of hours of attention to the basic activities of daily-living (H-BADL). Results: More than 50% of caregivers have shown high anxiety and depression scores. Patients with longer duration of dementia, greater severity of dementia, and lower education levels significantly differ in anxiety and depression mean scores. Conclusion: The presence of CB in AD patients is strongly associated with the duration and severity of dementia and the educational level of patients. The results of this study should encourage researchers and clinicians working with elderly persons to consider these modifiable psychological states.