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Clinical Trial
. 2012 Oct;21(8):1379-89.
doi: 10.1007/s11136-011-0044-z. Epub 2011 Oct 26.

Quality of life of community-residing persons with dementia based on self-rated and caregiver-rated measures

Betty S Black  1 , Deirdre Johnston, Ann Morrison, Peter V Rabins, Constantine G Lyketsos, Quincy M Samus
Affiliations
Clinical Trial

Quality of life of community-residing persons with dementia based on self-rated and caregiver-rated measures

Betty S Black et al. Qual Life Res. 2012 Oct.

Abstract

Purpose: To identify correlates of self-rated and caregiver-rated quality of life (QOL) in community-residing persons with dementia (PWD) for intervention development.

Methods: Cross-sectional data of 254 PWD and their caregivers participating in a clinical trial were derived from in-home assessments. Self-rated QOL was measured with the Quality of Life-Alzheimer Disease (QOL-AD) scale, and caregiver-rated QOL was measured using the QOL-AD and Alzheimer Disease-Related Quality of Life (ADRQL) scales. Multivariate modeling identified correlates of the PWD' QOL.

Results: Self-rated QOL was related significantly to participant race, unmet needs, depression, and total medications. Caregiver-rated QOL-AD scores were significantly associated with participant function, unmet needs, depression, and health problems and with caregiver burden and self-rated health. Significant correlates of ADRQL scores included neuropsychiatric symptom severity, functional and cognitive impairment, and caregiver burden and depression.

Conclusions: Correlates of QOL in community-residing PWD depend on who rates the PWD's QOL and which measure is used. Addressing health problems, medication use, and dementia-related unmet needs, reducing functional dependency, and treating neuropsychiatric symptoms in PWD, while reducing caregiver burden and depression, may maximize QOL in those with dementia.

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