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Abstract-This study examined the frequency and degree of caregiver burden in persons with parkinsonism, a group of disorders with four primary symptoms that include tremor, rigidity, postural instability, and bradykinesia. We assessed associations between perceived caregiver burden and physical, cognitive, and functional impairments using well-established tools for persons with parkinsonism. The 49 individuals with parkinsonism ranged in age from 61 to 87 (mean = 75), while their caregivers (N = 49) ranged in age from 48 to 83 (mean = 70). The caregivers were predominantly either wives (82%) or daughters (6%), with other family members, friends, and/or neighbors (12%) making up the rest. The caregivers reported a relatively high ability for coping (mean scores = 4.6/6). Caregiver burden was significantly negatively associated with activities of daily living and motoric difficulties as measured on the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS). Likewise, caregiver burden was negatively associated with caregiver self-reported sleep and coping ability. Results did not demonstrate an association on the UPDRS among mentation, behavior, and mood. We found a significant negative correlation for mentation between the Folstein Mini-Mental Status Examination and caregiver burden measures; however, we did not find this association with the Dementia Rating Scale-2. Patient's self-reported pain and caregiver burden were not associated.

To evaluate the effects on patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) of detailed, personalized information about their injuries, acute care treatment, and rehabilitation progress. Participants: Twentyeight former or present military personnel (mean age ϭ 30 years) with moderate to severe TBI (mean of 29 days spent in intensive care before admission to TBI unit). Design: Two (personalized information vs. general information) ϫ 2 (high-vs. low-patient preference for health care information) factorial design. Interpersonal behavior of patients, information providers, and health care staff were measured by the Impact Message Inventory. Outcome Measures: Rehabilitation Intensity of Therapy Scale, Functional Independence Measure, Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire. Results: Patients given personalized information exerted greater effort in physical therapy, made greater improvement in functional independence, and were more satisfied with rehabilitation treatment. Patient preference for information and ratings of interpersonal behavior were largely unrelated to patient outcomes. Conclusion: Cognitively impaired TBI patients can benefit from interventions designed to enhance their sense of control and personal involvement in their own care.