Increasing Education to Decrease Caregiver Burden of the Alzheimer’s Disease Patient
Abstract
People living with Alzheimer’s disease face a progressive disease which causes decreased
abilities to perform activities of daily living and increased care provisions by caregivers. In
Alzheimer’s disease, patients lose their independence and autonomy. Limited caregiver
knowledge is associated with increased caregiver burden. The purpose of this quasi
experimental, single group, pre and post-test study was to determine if increased caregiver
education decreases caregiver burden in individuals caring for people with Alzheimer’s disease.
This study used the Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale to assess caregiver burden in caregivers over
four months in a primary care setting. While the project was unsuccessful due to low
participants, the results were positive with a decrease in caregiver burden. This research study
encouraged providers to enhance education to caregivers to limit the burden. Increasing the
education to the caregiver of the disease process, symptoms, and progression of Alzheimer’s
disease decreased caregiver burden associated with anxiety, stress, and fatigue which are factors
that can negatively impact the patient with Alzheimer’s disease.
Degree
D.N.P.
Thesis Department
Rights
Open Access (fully available)
Copyright retained by author