Invisible patient

Question 1

What is the caregiver burden?

Answer 1

As dementia progresses irreversibly, the caregiver will be expected to assume increased responsibility.

Definition: The degree to which a carer’s emotional or physical health, social life, or financial status has suffered as a result of caring for their relative

Question 2

Patient characteristics that define the caregiver burden?

Answer 2

• Type of dementia
• Extent of personality change
• Psychiatric symptoms/ behavioural disturbances

Question 3

Caregiver characteristics that define the caregiver burden?

Answer 3

• Gender
• Cultural values
• Relationship with patient
• Coping strategies
• Duration of caregiving
• Mental/physical status
• Age
• Cultural values

Question 4

What are informal caregivers?

Answer 4

non-professionals, such as a family member or a friend (most commonly spouse or children),