1 / 61

Alzheimer’s Disease: Global Survey of Patients and Caregivers

Alzheimer’s Disease: Global Survey of Patients and Caregivers. Prepared for: August 23, 2007. Contents. Global Findings. Key Findings.

decker
Download Presentation

Alzheimer’s Disease: Global Survey of Patients and Caregivers

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  1. Alzheimer’s Disease: Global Survey of Patients and Caregivers Prepared for: August 23, 2007

  2. Contents

  3. Global Findings

  4. Key Findings • This research looks at patients diagnosed with mild or moderate Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), and at caregivers for such patients. It was conducted in six countries: The United States, Canada (caregivers only thus far), France, Germany, Spain, and Brazil. Not just the caregivers but also the patients spoke to us directly about their concerns and about what is important to them. • Most patients say they have warm relationships and a social life with family and friends, and that they feel safe and supported at home. Caregivers back them up on this. In Europe, however, patients are less likely to say they are able to enjoy life. • Caregivers are quite positive in all countries, but in France and Germany they are particularly likely to say that they themselves can enjoy life. • When asked about a number of issues: • Caregivers across all countries rated a wide range of issues as highly important . Patients varied somewhat more by country, but generally saw quality of life issues as highly important. Outside the US patients were less likely to see access to detailed information as important. • Similarly, caregivers rated the performance on such issues more highly than patients did for the same issues. • Comparing importance and performance ratings, Brazilian caregivers and patients had the greatest number of important issues with poor performance, such as lack of availability of an organized peer group for AD sufferers; an organized peer group for caregivers (asked only of caregivers); an away-from-home day program; and detailed information about AD.

  5. Key Findings, cont’d • Other issues where performance fell below importance in other countries included: Having professional home care in the US; the ability to enjoy life in the US for caregivers and in Spain for patients; the best possible quality of life for patients in France and Spain; and for caregivers in Spain, medical treatment helping to control AD symptoms. • Medication use for AD is high everywhere, roughly 70% or higher, according to both patients and caregivers. Within this range it is most prevalent in Spain, and least prevalent in Brazil and Canada. • When asked explicitly about the importance of various medication improvements, caregivers and patients agree that better control of AD symptoms and fewer bothersome side effects are most important. • Large majorities of patients and caregivers in all countries are at least “somewhat satisfied” with their or their patient’s current AD medication. • Both patients and caregivers in Spain, where medication use is the highest, claim the lowest satisfaction with their medications, and caregivers give the lowest ratings for the success of the medication in controlling symptoms. In contrast, satisfaction is slightly higher in Brazil, as is caregiver rating of the success of medication in controlling symptoms despite relatively low use of medication. In short, medication use in one country versus another appears largely unrelated to satisfaction in those countries.

  6. Key Findings, cont’d • The most likely source of AD information according to both patients and caregivers across countries is the patient’s physician. • In Brazil no more than 10% of patients mention any source other than their physician, but in the US and Europe other physicians, friends/family members, and magazines/newspapers are all additional sources for patients. • Caregivers, both in Brazil and elsewhere, seek information from a much broader range of sources than patients. • Overall the use of services provided by AD organizations is higher in Europe than in the US or Brazil, and most use appears to come from caregivers rather than patients. • In the US and Europe listings of local peer support AD groups is a regularly used service for a majority of caregivers. Slightly fewer patients report using this service. • Other services used by relatively large percentages of patients or caregivers in various countries include hearing about AD research and treatments, gathering medical information, and social events.

  7. Detailed Findings

  8. Patients

  9. Years Since Diagnosis: PatientsOn average patients were diagnosed with AD three to four years ago Q500 How many years ago did a physician or other healthcare professional first tell you that you have Alzheimer’s? Base: AD Patients US (n=100) Canada (n=xx) France (n=100) Germany (n=100) Spain (n=100) Brazil (n=102)

  10. Median time on medication (50%) Prescription Medication Taking: Patients Currently Taking Medication Most patients are currently on medication; patients in France and Germany have the highest percentages who are new to medication. Brazil and the US have the highest percentages on medication for more than a year but Spain has the highest use overall. More time on medication Q530 Are you currently taking prescription medication for Alzheimer’s Disease? Base: AD Patients US (n=100) Canada (n=xx) France (n=100) Germany (n=100) Spain (n=100) Brazil (n=102) Q535 How long have you been taking prescription medication? Base: Currently taking medication US (n=84) Canada (n=xx) France (n=83) Germany (n=84) Spain (n=93) Brazil (n=74)

  11. High Importance (90% or more) Low Importance (55% or less) Important Issues: PatientsAcross countries the majority of patients say quality of life issues are important such as “feeling safe and supported at home” and “keeping up a social life with family and friends. Q515 [INSERT ITEM AT Q515] – is that important to you or not? Base: AD Patients US (n=100) Canada (n=xx) France (n=100) Germany (n=100) Spain (n=100) Brazil (n=102)

  12. High Performance (90% or more True) Low Performance (55% or less True) Performance on Issues: PatientsPatients in general say they enjoy the quality of life issues they say are most important. Q520 Is [REPEAT ITEM AT Q525] true or not true for you? Base: AD Patients US (n=100) Canada (n=xx) France (n=100) Germany (n=100) Spain (n=100) Brazil (n=102)

  13. Summary of Importance and Performance: Patients AD patients in Spain and Brazil are the most likely to indicate that performance on an issue falls substantially below its importance. Moderate discrepancy (10-19 percentage points) High discrepancy (20 percentage points or more) Q515 [INSERT ITEM AT Q515] – is that important to you or not? Q520 Is [REPEAT ITEM AT Q525] true or not true for you? Base: AD Patients US (n=100) Canada (n=xx) France (n=100) Germany (n=100) Spain (n=100) Brazil (n=102)

  14. High Importance (90% or more) Low Importance (55% or less) Medication Improvements: Patients Currently on MedicationThe dosing regimen is relatively unimportant to patients, especially in the US and Spain. Instead, as a rule, they are looking for better control of AD symptoms and fewer bothersome side effects. Q540 If you could improve the prescription medication you are currently taking for Alzheimer’s, would each of the following improvements be important or not? Base: Currently taking medication US (n=84) Canada (n=xx) France (n=83) Germany (n=84)Spain (n=93) Brazil (n=74)

  15. Medication Satisfaction: Patients Currently on MedicationWhile across countries the majority of patients are at least “somewhat satisfied” with their current medication, fewer patients in Spain agree. Top 2 Box % answering “Very satisfied” or “Somewhat satisfied” Q545 Overall, how satisfied are you with your current prescription therapy for Alzheimer’s? Very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, not too satisfied, or not at all satisfied? Base: Currently taking medication US (n=84) Canada (n=xx) France (n=83) Germany (n=84)Spain (n=93) Brazil (n=74)

  16. High Applicability (90% or more) Low Applicability (55% or less) Attitudes: PatientsPatients are less inclined to say talking with other AD sufferers gives them perspective or that living with AD helps them appreciate the important things in life. Q600 I’m going to read you some statements that other people have made about what it is like having Alzheimer’s Disease. For each one, please say whether it applies to your situation or not. Base: AD Patients US (n=100) Canada (n=xx) France (n=100) Germany (n=100) Spain (n=100) Brazil (n=102)

  17. Highly Mentioned Sources (55% or more) AD Information Sources: PatientsPatients’ physicians are the most likely sources of AD information. Q700 What sources do you turn to for information about Alzheimer’s disease? Base: AD Patients US (n=100) Canada (n=xx) France (n=100) Germany (n=100) Spain (n=100) Brazil (n=102)

  18. Highly Used Services (55% or more) AD Support Services Used: Patients Who Have Used AD Support ServicesIn the US and Europe, various services provided by AD organizations are utilized. Curiously, more US patients say they go to these organizations for information than say they use their services. Q800 Have you ever used the support services available at an Alzheimer’s disease organization? Base: AD Patients US (n=100) Canada (n=xx) France (n=100) Germany (n=100) Spain (n=100) Brazil (n=102) Q805 Which services or benefits provided by the organization do you use regularly? Base: Used AD support services Base: US (n=26*) Canada (n=xx) France (n=64) Germany (n=65) Spain (n=55) Brazil (n=1**) Note: * = small base ** = base too small to report

  19. Highly Likely Reason (55% or more) Why Support Services Not Used: Patients Aware of AD OrganizationsA sizeable number of patients who are aware of AD organizations have not used their services. Q800 Have you ever used the support services available at an Alzheimer’s disease organization? Base: AD Patients US (n=100) Canada (n=xx) France (n=100) Germany (n=100) Spain (n=100) Brazil (n=102) Q810 Are you aware of any Alzheimer’s Disease organizations? Base: Never used AD support services or not sure or decline to answer: US (n=74) Canada (n=xx) France (n=36) Germany (n=35) Spain (n=45) Brazil (n=101) Q815 Why haven’t you used services provided by Alzheimer’s Disease organizations? Base: Aware of AD organizations and have not used them: US (n=34) Canada (n=xx) France (n=25*) Germany (n=11**) Spain (n=18**) Brazil (n=0**) Note: * = small base ** = base too small to report

  20. Caregivers

  21. Median time on medication (50%) Prescription Medications: Caregivers of Patients Currently Taking Medication The majority of caregivers say their patients are currently taking medication to treat their AD. The US has the longest use of those on medications. More time on medication Q520 Is the person with Alzheimer’s Disease currently taking prescription medication for the condition? Base: AD Caregivers US (n=100) Canada (n=100) France (n=100) Germany (n=100) Spain (n=100) Brazil (n=114) Q525 How long has the person been taking prescription medication? Base: AD patients currently taking medication US (n=88) Canada (n=72) France (n=98) Germany (n=94) Spain (n=95) Brazil (n=90)

  22. High “Very”/”Somewhat” Important (90% or more) Low “Very”/”Somewhat” Important (55% or less) Important Issues: CaregiversOnly “having professional home care” and “an away-from-home day program” drop to moderate importance for caregivers across all countries. Q500 I’d like to read you a list of statements that might or might not be important to you as caregiver to someone with Alzheimer’s Disease. For each item on the list, I will first ask how important it is to you, and then ask how true it is for you as an Alzheimer’s caregiver. Q505 [INSERT ITEM AT Q515] – is that very important, somewhat important, not too important, or not at all important? Base: AD Caregivers US (n=100) Canada (n=100) France (n=100) Germany (n=100) Spain (n=100) Brazil (n=114)

  23. High Performance (90% or more “Very”/”Somewhat” True) Low Performance (55% or less” Very”/”Somewhat” True) Performance on Issues: Caregivers Issues that caregivers indicate are highly important are generally met, especially in France and Germany. Several issues of moderate importance are less well met. Q510 How true is [PN: REPEAT ITEM AT Q515] for you – very true, somewhat true, not too true, or not at all true? Base: AD Caregivers US (n=100) Canada (n=100) France (n=100) Germany (n=100) Spain (n=100) Brazil (n=114)

  24. Summary of Importance and Performance: Caregivers The US, Canada, Spain, and Brazil all have areas where caregivers say that performance on an issue falls substantially below its importance. Moderate discrepancy (10-19 percentage points) High discrepancy (20 percentage points or more) Q505 [INSERT ITEM AT Q515] – is that very important, somewhat important, not too important, or not at all important? Q510 How true is [REPEAT ITEM AT Q515] for you – very true, somewhat true, not too true, or not at all true? Base: AD Caregivers US (n=100) Canada (n=100) France (n=100) Germany (n=100) Spain (n=100) Brazil (n=114)

  25. High “Very”/”Somewhat” Important (90% or more) Low Very”/”Somewhat” Important(55% or less) Medication Improvements: Caregivers of Patients Currently on MedicationCaregivers in all countries say various AD medication improvements are highly important. They agree with patients that control of AD symptoms and fewer bothersome side effects are most important. Q530 If you could improve the prescription medication the person is currently taking for Alzheimer’s, how important would each of the following improvements be? [INSERT ITEM AT Q531] Would that improvement be very important, somewhat important, or not too important, or not at all important? Base: AD patients currently taking medication US (n=88) Canada (n=72) France (n=98) Germany (n=94) Spain (n=95) Brazil (n=90)

  26. bcdfg fg Medication Satisfaction: Caregivers of Patients Currently on MedicationOnly in Brazil do more than a third of caregivers say they are “very satisfied” with their patients’ current medication. Nonetheless, Canada and Germany show higher satisfaction overall, including both “very” and “somewhat” satisfied. Top 2 Box % answering “Very satisfied” or “Somewhat satisfied” Q535 Overall, how satisfied are you with the current prescription therapy the person is taking for Alzheimer’s? Very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, not too satisfied, or not at all satisfied? Base: AD patients currently taking medication US (n=88) Canada (n=72) France (n=98) Germany (n=94) Spain (n=95) Brazil (n=90)

  27. High Applicability (90% or more) Low Applicability (55% or less) Attitudes: CaregiversIn addition to having a warm relationship with the person suffering from AD, the majority of caregivers also want assurance that their patients are taking their medication as directed. Q600 I’m going to read you some statements that other people have made about caring for someone with Alzheimer’s Disease. For each one, please say whether it applies a great deal to your situation, applies somewhat, applies only a little, or doesn’t apply at all. Base: AD Caregivers US (n=100) Canada (n=100) France (n=100) Germany (n=100) Spain (n=100) Brazil (n=114)

  28. Highly Used Sources (55% or more) AD Information Sources: CaregiversPhysicians are the primary source of information for caregivers across all countries. Other sources vary by country. Q700 What sources do you turn to for information about Alzheimer’s disease? Base: AD Caregivers US (n=100) Canada (n=100) France (n=100) Germany (n=100) Spain (n=100) Brazil (n=114)

  29. Highly Likely Reason (55% or more) AD Support Services Used: Caregivers Who Have Used AD Support ServicesCaregivers in Europe are more likely to use support services provided by AD organizations. Q815 Have you or has the person with Alzheimer’s ever used the support services available at an Alzheimer’s disease organization? Base: AD Caregivers US (n=100) Canada (n=100) France (n=100) Germany (n=100) Spain (n=100) Brazil (n=114) Q820 Which services or benefits provided by the organization do you or the person with Alzheimer’s use regularly? Base: Caregivers who used AD support services US (n=38) Canada (n=35) France (n=70) Germany (n=60) Spain (n=84) Brazil (n=13*) Note ** = base too small to report

  30. Highly Likely Reason (55% or more) Why Support Services Not Used: Caregivers Aware of AD OrganizationsAs seen in the patient data, a sizeable number of caregivers aware of AD organizations have not used their services. Q815 Have you or has the person with Alzheimer’s ever used the support services available at an Alzheimer’s disease organization? Base: AD Caregivers US (n=100) Canada (n=100) France (n=100) Germany (n=100) Spain (n=100) Brazil (n=114) Q825 Are you aware of any Alzheimer’s disease organizations? Base: Never used AD support services or not sure or decline to answer US (n=62) Canada (n=65) France (n=30) Germany (n=40) Spain (n=16**) Brazil (n=101) Q830 Why haven’t you used services provided by Alzheimer’s Disease organizations? Base: Caregivers aware of AD organizations and have not used them: US (n=43) Canada (n=42) France (n=23*) Germany (n=16**) Spain (n=11**) Brazil (n=12**) Note: * = base too small to report ** = small base

  31. Conclusions

  32. Conclusions • On many of the issues most important to patients, caregivers, or both, needs are being met. • On the other hand, there are a number of needs where performance ratings fall well below importance ratings, suggesting substantial room for progress. • When it comes to AD treatments the majority of both patients and caregivers say their treatment helps control the symptoms of AD and that they are at least somewhat satisfied with this treatment. At the same time, improved treatments that increase symptom control while lessening side effects would be important. • The primary source of AD information is the patient’s physician according to both patients and caregivers. Indeed the patient’s physician is almost the only source in Brazil. Elsewhere other physicians, family and friends, and magazines/newspapers are all additional sources for patients. More caregivers than patients use these and other sources for AD information. • AD organizations are a source of information and of support services for more caregivers than patients. Such organizations appear particularly well established in Europe in terms of use by both patients and caregivers.

  33. Appendix

  34. Patient and Caregiver Discrepancies

  35. Caregivers 20 percentage points or more higher than patients Prescription Medication Taking: Patients - Caregivers Q530/Q520 Are you/the person with AD currently taking prescription medication for Alzheimer’s Disease? Base: AD Patients US (n=100/100) Canada (n=xx) France (n=100/100) Germany (n=100/100) Spain (n=100/100) Brazil (n=102/114) Q535/Q525 How long have you/has the person with AD been taking prescription medication? Base: Currently taking medication US (n=84/88) Canada (n=xx) France (n=83/98) Germany (n=84/94) Spain (n=93/95) Brazil (n=74/90)

  36. Caregivers 20 percentage points or more higher than patients Important Issues: Patients - Caregivers Q515 [INSERT ITEM AT Q515] – is that important to you or not? Base: AD Patients US (n=100) Canada (n=xx) France (n=100) Germany (n=100) Spain (n=100) Brazil (n=102) Q505 [INSERT ITEM AT Q515] – is that very important, somewhat important, not too important, or not at all important? Base: AD Caregivers US (n=100) Canada (n=100) France (n=100) Germany (n=100) Spain (n=100) Brazil (n=114)

  37. Caregivers 20 percentage points or more higher than patients Performance on Issues: Patients - Caregivers Q520 Is [REPEAT ITEM AT Q525] true or not true for you? Base: AD Patients US (n=100) Canada (n=xx) France (n=100) Germany (n=100) Spain (n=100) Brazil (n=102) Q510 How true is [PN: REPEAT ITEM AT Q515] for you – very true, somewhat true, not too true, or not at all true? Base: AD Caregivers US (n=100) Canada (n=100) France (n=100) Germany (n=100) Spain (n=100) Brazil (n=114)

  38. Patients 20 percentage points or more higher than caregivers Summary of Importance and Performance: Patients - Caregivers Q515 [INSERT ITEM AT Q515] – is that important to you or not? Q520 Is [REPEAT ITEM AT Q525] true or not true for you? Base: AD Patients US (n=100) Canada (n=xx) France (n=100) Germany (n=100) Spain (n=100) Brazil (n=102) Q505 [INSERT ITEM AT Q515] – is that very important, somewhat important, not too important, or not at all important? Q510 How true is [REPEAT ITEM AT Q515] for you – very true, somewhat true, not too true, or not at all true? Base: AD Caregivers US (n=100) Canada (n=100) France (n=100) Germany (n=100) Spain (n=100) Brazil (n=114)

  39. Caregivers 20 percentage points or more higher than patients Medication Improvements: Patients - Caregivers Q540 If you could improve the prescription medication you are currently taking for Alzheimer’s, would each of the following improvements be important or not? Base: Currently taking medication US (n=84) Canada (n=xx) France (n=83) Germany (n=84)Spain (n=93) Brazil (n=74) Q530 If you could improve the prescription medication the person is currently taking for Alzheimer’s, how important would each of the following improvements be? [INSERT ITEM AT Q531] Would that improvement be very important, somewhat important, or not too important, or not at all important? Base: AD patients currently taking medication US (n=88) Canada (n=72) France (n=98) Germany (n=94) Spain (n=95) Brazil (n=90)

  40. Patients 20 percentage points or more higher than caregivers Medication Satisfaction: Patients - Caregivers Q545 Overall, how satisfied are you with your current prescription therapy for Alzheimer’s? Very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, not too satisfied, or not at all satisfied? Base: Currently taking medication US (n=84) Canada (n=xx) France (n=83) Germany (n=84)Spain (n=93) Brazil (n=74) Q535 Overall, how satisfied are you with the current prescription therapy the person is taking for Alzheimer’s? Very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, not too satisfied, or not at all satisfied? Base: AD patients currently taking medication US (n=88) Canada (n=72) France (n=98) Germany (n=94) Spain (n=95) Brazil (n=90)

  41. Caregivers 20 percentage points or more higher than patients Attitudes: Patients - Caregivers Q600 I’m going to read you some statements that other people have made about what it is like having Alzheimer’s Disease. For each one, please say whether it applies to your situation or not. Base: AD Patients US (n=100) Canada (n=xx) France (n=100) Germany (n=100) Spain (n=100) Brazil (n=102) Q600 I’m going to read you some statements that other people have made about caring for someone with Alzheimer’s Disease. For each one, please say whether it applies a great deal to your situation, applies somewhat, applies only a little, or doesn’t apply at all. Base: AD Caregivers US (n=100) Canada (n=100) France (n=100) Germany (n=100) Spain (n=100) Brazil (n=114)

  42. Caregivers 20 percentage points or more higher than patients AD Information Sources: Patients - Caregivers Q700 What sources do you turn to for information about Alzheimer’s disease? Base: AD Patients/Caregivers US (n=100/100) Canada (n=xx) France (n=100/100) Germany (n=100/100) Spain (n=100) Brazil (n=102/114)

  43. Caregivers 20 percentage points or more higher than patients AD Support Services Used: Patients - Caregivers Q800 Have you ever used the support services available at an Alzheimer’s disease organization? Base: AD Patients/Caregivers US (n=100/100) Canada (n=xx) France (n=100/100) Germany (n=100/100) Spain (n=100/100) Brazil (n=102/114) Q805 Which services or benefits provided by the organization do you use regularly? Base: Used AD support services Base: US (n=26*/38) Canada (n=xx) France (n=64/70) Germany (n=65/60) Spain (n=55/84) Brazil (n=1**/13*) Note: * = small base ** = base too small to report

  44. Patients 20 percentage points or more higher than caregivers Caregivers 20 percentage points or more higher than patients Why Support Services Not Used: Patients - Caregivers Q800/Q825 Have you ever/ or has the person with AD ever used the support services available at an Alzheimer’s disease organization? Base: AD Patients/Caregivers US (n=100/100) Canada (n=xx) France (n=100/100) Germany (n=100/100) Spain (n=100/100) Brazil (n=102/114) Q810/Q825 Are you aware of any Alzheimer’s Disease organizations? Base: Never used AD support services or not sure or decline to answer: US (n=74/62) Canada (n=xx) France (n=36/30) Germany (n=35/40) Spain (n=45/16**) Brazil (n=101/101) Q815/Q830 Why haven’t you used services provided by Alzheimer’s Disease organizations? Base: Aware of AD organizations and have not used them: US (n=34/43) Canada (n=xx) France (n=25*/23*) Germany (n=11**/16**) Spain (n=18**/11**) Brazil (n=0**/12**) Note: * = small base ** = base too small to report

  45. Findings by Country

  46. United States • Patients and caregivers both indicate that two key quality of life needs are being met: Home environment safety and support and “the best quality of life possible under the circumstances.” They also report having warm relationships with those around them and that caring for someone, or living, with AD helps them appreciate important things in life. • Two somewhat less important issues should be noted as performance is particularly low: the availability of professional home care and the ability of caregivers to enjoy life. • Roughly 85% of patients take AD medication. Nearly all patients and caregivers agree that improved control of AD symptoms would be important. By and large patients and caregivers feel they’re taking/giving medications as directed, but caregivers could use more reassurance of this. • On other medication issues caregivers are more negative than patients: • Caregivers are less satisfied with their current medications (26% “very satisfied” vs. 46% for patients.) • Caregivers say they don’t like administering AD medications that cause uncomfortable side effects more often than patients say they don’t like taking medications because of uncomfortable side effects (88% vs. 67%.) • Caregivers want dosing regimens that are easier to comply with, medications that come in a form that is easier to take, and medications that have fewer bothersome side effects. Patients also want these improvements, but in smaller numbers. • Most patients and caregivers consider the patient’s physician a source for AD information. They tend to turn to their family and friends for AD information than to AD organizations. As a rule they feel their need for AD information is both important and largely being met.

  47. Canada (Caregivers Only) • Over 90% of caregivers agree that they “have a warm relationship with the person who has Alzheimer’s Disease” and that “caring for someone with Alzheimer’s Disease helps me appreciate the things in life that are really important.” • Positive feelings extend to important needs that are met including knowing “the person feels safe and supported in their home environment” and that the AD person “enjoys the best quality of life under the circumstances.” • Other needs are reported as less well met, with particularly low performance on away-from-home day programs and organized peer groups for AD caregivers. • Canadian caregivers report the lowest percentage of their patients on medications (72%) of the six countries studied. Their overall satisfaction with medications, however, is as high as in most countries. That said, they agree that current AD medications could be “better at controlling the symptoms of Alzheimer’s,” that they could have “fewer bothersome side effects,” and that they “don’t like to give the person with Alzheimer’s disease a medication that causes uncomfortable side effects.” • The majority of caregivers say they have adequate information now, largely from the patient’s physician, friends and family, and the Internet. Half of caregivers say they turn to an AD organization for information.

  48. France • Lifestyle issues important to nearly all patients and caregivers include the patient’s “feeling safe and supported in your home environment” and “keeping up a social life with family and friends.” Both groups report these needs are met in their life situation. • On the other hand, the 76% of French patients who say they have the best possible quality of life is markedly lower than the percentage who say this is important. • Nearly all caregivers report that their patients take AD medications, but somewhat fewer patients report this. Caregivers are also more likely to emphasize the importance of “a dosing regimen that is easier to comply with” and of medications “coming in a form that makes it easier to take,” but 80% or more are reasonably satisfied with their current medications. • Access to detailed information about Alzheimer’s Disease is important to nearly all caregivers but fewer patients. The patient’s physician and family and friends are the two most likely sources now turned to by patients and caregivers in search of AD information. • Roughly two thirds of both groups say they have used support services from AD organizations.

  49. Germany • Most patients and caregivers say they have warm relationships with those around them. They also say that an active social life and a safe and supportive home environment are important, but patients are somewhat less likely than caregivers to say these latter needs are being met. • Despite the fact that 76% of caregivers say it’s rewarding taking care of their AD patient, nearly all of them also say it’s burdensome. Patients pick up on this: 70% worry that their caregivers may have too great a burden. • Both patients and caregivers point to the importance of discussing the AD condition and treatment with the patients’ physicians and also say that need is being met. • The patient’s physician is the main source of AD information for both patients and caregivers. They also use information from AD organizations. • Nearly all patients and caregivers are reasonably satisfied with their current medication. Nonetheless, they also agree that important AD medication improvements would lead to “fewer bothersome side effects” and better control of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Caregivers, more than patients, also say that important improvements would include a dosing regimen that is easier to comply with and a form of medication that is easier to take.

  50. Spain • Quality of life issues important to most patients and caregivers include the patient’s active social life and the enjoyment of “the best quality of life possible under the circumstances.” Whether these needs are well met, however, is at issue: • Patients are somewhat more likely than caregivers to say that they have an active social life. • Caregivers are more likely than patients to say their patients enjoy the best life possible. • Caregivers consider access of information about AD and the opportunity to discuss their patient’s condition and treatment options with the patient’s physician highly important, but these needs are less likely to be met. On the other hand, these needs are roughly met for the fewer number of patients who say they are important. • The patient’s physician and family and friends are the two most likely sources turned to for AD information according to both patients and caregivers. AD organizations are also popular among caregivers – 77% say they turn to these organizations for information; only 48% of patients say the same. • Spain has the highest percentage of patients on medication of the countries studied, but relatively low satisfaction with those medications. • Caregivers, more than patients, say improvements would be important if they led to medications coming in a form that makes it easier to take and a dosing regimen that is easier to comply with. • Patients and caregivers both say that improvements would be important if they led to better control of AD symptoms and fewer bothersome side effects.

More Related