Evaluation of the perceived health of caregivers of patients in mild-to-moderate stage Alzheimer's disease

Purpose To know the health perceived by the family caregivers of Alzheimer's disease, according to the relationship of kinship and the duration of the care in mild-to-moderate stage of dementia. Design and Methods Cross-sectional descriptive study in 255 caregivers. The instruments used were an ad hoc questionnaire and the Goldberg General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28). Findings The presence of acute and chronic mental pathology has been observed. Specifically in the spouses and children, severe depression and social dysfunction, and in periods of care between 2 and 5 years, mainly anxiety and insomnia have been observed. Practice Implications The relationship of kinship and the duration of care must be taken into account in the planning of specific interventions in these caregivers.