Noncognitive symptoms in Alzheimer disease and caregivers distress in Chile

This study describes the profile of noncognitive symptoms in Chilean AD patients and its effects on the caregiver's mental health. In a sample of 26 urban dwelling AD patients, 21 of them women, age range 63-90 years, diagnosed using NINCDS-ADRDA, the intensity and frequency of noncognitive symptoms and caregivers distress was assessed using NPI. Seventeen caregivers were first degree relatives. The most prevalent symptoms were apathy, irritability, and anxiety. The least were euphoria. hallucinations, and disinhibition. The most stressful conditions were disinhibition and agitation the best well-tolerated were euphoria and anxiety. Caregivers responded most frequently with feelings of concern and depression. Few of them reported to be ashamed. These results may reflect cultural differences and represents the first description of this reality in Chile. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science (USA).