CHARACTERISTICS OF BEHAVIORAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SYMPTOMS AND FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH CAREGIVER BURDEN IN PATIENTS WITH ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AT MILITARY HOSPITAL 175
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59354/ydth175.2026.490Keywords:
Alzheimer’s disease, behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, BPSD, caregiver stress, caregiver burden, NPI-Q, ZBI-12Abstract
Background: Alzheimer’s disease involves cognitive decline and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), which affect most patients. BPSD is the main driver of caregiver burden, often outweighing cognitive impairment. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of BPSD in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and investigate its relationship with caregiver burden.
Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 80 patients with Alzheimer’s disease meeting DSM-5 criteria and their caregivers at the Neurology Clinic of Military Hospital 175 (December 2024–June 2025). BPSD, disease stage, and caregiver burden were assessed using the NPI-Q, FAST, and ZBI-12, respectively.
Results: BPSD was present in 91,2% of patients, with a mean of 3,7 ± 2,9 symptoms. Disease stage was significantly associated with both the presence and number of BPSD (p < 0,05). Caregiver burden was positively correlated with the number of symptoms, NPI-Q scores, and caregiver stress (p < 0,05). In multivariable regression analysis, caregiver stress related to BPSD was the only independent factor associated with caregiver burden (β = 0,649; p < 0,001).
Conclusion: BPSD are highly prevalent and increase with disease progression. Caregiver burden is primarily driven by caregiver stress related to BPSD. Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, BPSD, caregiver stress, caregiver burden, NPI-Q, ZBI-12
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