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

Abstract

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 ofthe 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 wasfound that the caregivers 'knowledge ofnutrition was below average overall, despite thefact that many were educated beyond high school. A high level of caregiver perceived burden was also discovered. Depression, howevetr did not seem to be afactor 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 betterprepared 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.