Affiliation:
1. Department of Neurology University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill North Carolina USA
2. School of Medicine Oregon Health Sciences University Portland Oregon USA
3. Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Neurologicas Peru Lima Peru
Abstract
AbstractBackgroundNeurodegenerative diseases lead to difficulties with functional activities. In Peru, most caregivers are family members. Little is known about the COVID‐19 pandemic's effect on caregivers in Peru.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional, prospective study of family caregivers of dependent patients with dementia or Parkinson's Disease in Lima, Peru. A caregiver burden and mental health questionnaire was administered to the caregiver.ResultsWe enrolled 48 caregivers (65% females, mean ± SD age 49.0 ± 12.3 years); 70% of patients had dementia. Nearly 40% of caregivers reported having full‐time jobs, and 82% felt overwhelmed with almost 75% dedicating more time to caregiving during the pandemic. Caregivers perceived patients felt lonelier (52%), had an increase in hallucinations (50%), or forgetfulness (71%) compared to pre‐pandemic.ConclusionsOur study highlights that perceived caregiver burden and patient behavioral symptoms may have been exacerbated during the pandemic. In countries such as Peru, more caregiving resources and interventions are needed.
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