Quality of Life of Patients with Dementia and Their Caregivers

The quality of life (QOL) concept, consists of the perception of well-being regarding physical, psychological, social domains and life satisfaction. Health related quality of life (HRQL) is a multi-dimensional construct which consists the several aspects of general health perception. The nature of dementia can make self-report difficult, however as HRQL is a subjective phenomenon, proxy reports provide limited information. Studies reveal that patients with severe dementia are able to talk about their QOL. Patients may not have concern regarding the cognitive impairment, therefore it is proposed that health status may not effect QOL. Self and proxy report assessments should be included both, in measures of HRQOL in dementia patients. Caring for dementia patients is associated with decreases in QOL of caregivers. Behavioural, cognitive, and functional impairments of patients cause higher levels of burden. Distress increases with intensity of care and declining coping and support resources. Although useful intervention strategies exist, economic and policy barriers prevent caregivers from accessing needed help. QOL of care givers determine the survival of patients and time to institutionalisation.