Factors associated with spousal burden in Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease is characterized by motor and non-motor symptoms, which can lead to progressive disability that, in turn, can lead to a burden on caregivers. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine correlations between intensity of disease burden and characteristics of patients and their spouses. The study included 38couples (patients and spouses) living at home with no severe comorbidities. The following patients' characteristics were measured: disease severity (MDS-UPDRS); cognitive status (MoCA); non-motor signs (NMSS); quality of life (PDQ-8); anxiety and depression (HADS); and levodopa equivalent dose. The Zarit Burden Interview, quality of life questionnaire (EQ-5D-VAS) and HADS were administered to spouses. The average caregiver burden score was 14.4±12.7, and correlated (in descending order) with severity of non-motor signs (R²=0.46, P<0.0001), anxiety and depression in caregivers and patients (R²=0.35, P<0.0001 and R²=0.26, P<0.0001, respectively), motor severity (R²=0.3, P<0.0001), patients' quality of life (R²=0.27, P=0.0125), levodopa equivalent dose (R²=0.13, P=0.0261) and duration of illness (R²=0.12, P=0.0307). The severity of non-motor signs, patients' and caregivers' mood, and motor disease severity are the main determinants of caregiver burden, making them important targets in the management of Parkinson's disease.