Original Article(s)
Vol. 13 (2025)
Assessment of psychosocial and neuropsychological variables in patients with neurocognitive disorders and chronic stress in caregivers
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All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.
Received: 24 February 2025
Accepted: 8 May 2025
Accepted: 8 May 2025
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Background: nowadays, there are plenty of programs and resources to prevent caregiver bur-den of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. In spite of that, many caregivers suffer high levels of burden and stress, which leads to an earlier institutionalization of patients. This study aimed to explore how behavioral modules specific to Alzheimer's disease impact caregiver burden. Materials and Methods: a longitudinal (T0-T1, follow up) dyadic design was adopted and a sample of 76 patient-caregiver dyads was recruited. Correlational analyses were used to model associations between variables. Burden was measured with a Caregiver Burden Inventory. Measures of patients’ cognition, insight, depression, behavioral disturbances and functional ability were considered with specific scales (Cornell; Clinical Dementia Rating scale, CDR; Clinical Insight Rating Scale, CIRS). Results: we found that there are behavioral modules specific to Alzheimer's disease that nega-tively influence the psycho-physical state of caregiver health. These include patient's mood (r=0.4; p=0.001), behavioral changes (r=0.4; p<0.001), cyclical functions (r=0.3; p=0.007) and social isolation (r=0.3; p=0.02). Conclusions: despite study limits, interventions to reduce burden should be adapted to the spe-cific needs of the Alzheimer patient and caregiver.
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How to Cite
Assessment of psychosocial and neuropsychological variables in patients with neurocognitive disorders and chronic stress in caregivers. (2025). Working Paper of Public Health, 13. https://doi.org/10.4081/wpph.2025.10316
Copyright (c) 2025 Antonio Pepoli, Marinella Bertolotti, Antonella Cassinari, Chiara Demaria, Marianna Farotto, Monica Franscini, Simona Giribone, Valentina Manfredi, Elisa Messina, Rossella Sterpone, Patrizia Valorio, Antonio Maconi, Aldo Bellora
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