Association between Behavioural Psychological Symptoms of Dementia and Caregiver Burden in a South Indian Rural Community

Abstract

Background: Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) and caregiver burden are two
major issues in dementia patients. This study was conducted to estimate the association of BPSD with
caregiver burden in patients with dementia living in a south Indian community.
Method: In a cross-sectional study done in Thalikkulam village, Kerala, 71 elderly of minimum 60 years
and living with a primary caregiver for minimum one year were first selected with purposive sampling and
screened with Brief Community Screening Instrument for Dementia. Then BPSD and caregiver burden were
measured by Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire and Zarit Burden Interview respectively.
Result: Statistical analysis revealed that all patients (100%) experienced at least one BPSD and apathy
(76.1%), delusion (74.6%) and agitation (70.4%) were the most common BPSD reported. Majority (93%) of
caregivers reported caregiver burden. Strong positive correlation (p>0.05) was found between BPSD scores
and caregiver burden scores.
Conclusion: The study found that BPSD and caregiver burden is common among community dwelling
patients with dementia and have significant association with various socio demographic variables. This
study recommends that while identifying dementia in community, health professionals need to focus on
management of BPSD and caregiver burden which can influence the outcome of dementia.