Quality of Life in Alzheimer’s Dementia and its Caregiving in Southeast Asia

Abstract

Introduction: Alzheimer’s Disease is a brain disorder characterized by Dementia, having several adverse consequences for Quality of Life (QoL). We conducted a systematic review of the literature to study the overall Quality of Life of patients and their caregivers and caregiving of this dementia in Southeast Asia. Methodology: We conducted a systematic review of full-text articles which addressed QoL in patients with Alzheimer’s disease, published in English from January 2000 to 8th September 2022, using PubMed, Google Scholar, Psych INFO, and Research Gate; in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. The search keywords included: quality of life, QOL, Alzheimer's disease, Alzheimer's dementia, and Southeast Asia. The quality of the studies was assessed by using Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool. Studies with similar characteristics were grouped together and findings were summarized. Results: There exists a positive correlation between the QoL of Alzheimer’s dementia patients and their caregivers. Mean patient-rated QoL was found to be higher than proxy-rated QoL. The severity of the disease a had negative influence. Satisfaction with the relationship with the caretaker showed a positive influence. Caregivers’ quality of life was affected by the carer’s age, education, sex, relationship with the patient, income, and underlying diseases. Decreased disease awareness, late diagnosis, inadequate caregiving facilities, and lack of specialist training are big hurdles in improving the QoL of said, disease patients. Conclusion: There is an unignorable research void related to QoL of dementia patients which presses on the need to explore various health aspects relevant to it. Moreover, more investment in dementia care provision, dementia-specific research fields, and dementia specialist training should be made.