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.