Contribution of fatigue experienced by Parkinson's Disease patients on caregiver burden

Fatigue is a common non-motor symptom (NMS) in Parkinson's disease (PD), affecting up to 50% of patients. It is suggested that PD-related fatigue may contribute to the burden perceived by caregivers.

This study aims to evaluate the impact of PD-related fatigue on caregiver burden.

Data were obtained from PD patients and their primary caregivers recruited at the Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Aging Brain, Tricase (Italy), as part of the Non-motor International Longitudinal Study (NILS). Fatigue was assessed using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), while the Caregiver Burden Inventory (CBI) was completed by carers. Univariate and multivariable regression models were employed to assess the relationship of patients' characteristics and non-motor symptoms with caregiver burden.

A total of 61 patients were included. Univariate analysis showed disease duration, NMS burden, depression, cognitive performance, and FSS score as potential clinical predictors of CBI. After multivariable analysis, only FSS score and disease duration remained significantly associated with caregiver burden.

Patients' fatigue significantly impacts caregivers in PD. Our study fills the gap in the literature exploring this association and emphasizing fatigue assessment to improve the well-being of both individuals with PD and caregivers.