Alzheimer’s disease: diagnosis announcement, caregiver burden and proactive care in Lebanon

Abstract

ObjectivesAlzheimer disease (AD) imposes a burden on caregivers. However, less is known about its specific correlates in Lebanon. This study aimed to assess information provided by the physician upon announcing dementia diagnosis, caregiver burden and proactive care availability and application in Lebanon, compared to international studies. MethodsA prospective study of 24 caregivers of patients with mild AD, conducted over 18 months, assessed caregiver burden, depression and financial impact, using Zarit Burden Scale (ZBS), Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ9) and Financial Impact Scale (FIS), respectively. ResultsNone of the demographics characteristics correlated with burden for the exception of marital status, which increased CB. 30% had significant burden (ZBSN41), and half were depressed. ZBS and PHQ9 correlated positively (0.668, pb0.001), while ZBS and PHQ9 correlated negatively with FIS (-0.725, pb0.001 and -0.576, pb0.006). Proactive approaches, despite being explained at time of diagnosis, were overlooked by the caregiver and were found unavailable in the region. DiscussionDespite the dementia being in its mild form, a significant number of caregivers were struggling with burden and depression. Approaches to alleviate this burden were profoundly lacking. In developing countries like Lebanon, more attention should be drawn to help these caregivers and promote their well-being.