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Caregivers and the nutritionalneeds of the patient with Alzheimer's disease: A pilot study

College of Human Ecology, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, Louisiana

Mya Kline, MSPH

University of South Carolina, Division of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, Columbia, South Carolina

Dale Hamrick, MD

Richland Memorial Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine, Columbia, South Carolina

Kristen Edwards, MSPH

University of South Carolina, School of Public Health Prevention Center, Columbia, South Carolina

A pilot study was conducted at a day care center for those affected with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The day care center is affiliated with a statewide Department of Mental Health. The purpose of the study was to determine the adequacy of caregivers' knowledge of nutrition in general and of the nutritional needs of the AD affected person, specifically. Also studied was the caregivers'perceived amount of burden and the caregivers' levels of depression.

It was found that the caregivers' knowledge of nutrition was below average overall, despite the fact that many were educated beyond high school. A high level of caregiver perceived burden was also discovered. Depression, however did not seem to be a factor with these caregivers.

While this was only a pilot study (n=12), one can begin to see the importance of assisting caregivers with nutrition education. The better prepared caregivers are to take care of their elderly, the longer it is before nursing home placement becomes a consideration. Health care workers are in an excellent position to assume this teaching role.

American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias®, Vol. 10, No. 6, 40-44 (1995)
DOI: 10.1177/153331759501000607


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