Evaluation of Psychiatric Status and Quality of Life in Alzheimer's Patients and Carers

INTRODUCTION: It is known that the incidence of Alzheimer's disease is increasing in every year and the demolition process is between 8 – 10 years. Individuals require advanced level of care and supervision. In this environment, the occurence of psychological and physical depression is inevitable in caregivers. All kinds of cognitive, behavioral and psychiatric disorders that can be observed in dementia decrease the quality of life of patients and caregivers.
METHODS: In this study, we found that quality of life and depressive status of caregiver were more affected by sociodemographic characteristics and degree of closeness to the patient. In addition, we concluded that the patient's daily independence and behavior disorder affected each other.
RESULTS: We found that patients with caregivers with different responsibilities had better instrumental functions other than basic care support.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: As a result of all our findings, we concluded that patients who were given more independence in a controlled way in daily life activities may be more functional and thus the psychological status of the patient is better and the caregiver burden may decrease simultaneously.