Knowledge, attitudes, and health status of caregivers for people with Alzheimer’s disease in France’s overseas departments. Results of the 2014 Overseas Departments Health Barometer.

To date, little data is available regarding the knowledge, attitudes, and health status of caregivers for people with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in the French overseas departments (DOM). According to the 2014 DOM Health Barometer, one-third of respondents in Martinique, Guadeloupe, and Réunion know someone with AD, a proportion higher than in metropolitan France (27%) and French Guiana (18%). Among them, half of those in the Antilles, 41% of those in French Guiana, and 45% of those in Réunion are or have been caregivers—proportions higher than those in mainland France (33%). Caregivers are proportionally more likely to feel well-informed about AD, are more aware of the existence of a memory clinic near their home—even though such clinics remain relatively unknown on average—and believe more strongly than others that the patient should remain within the family environment. Finally, caregivers report more physical or mental health problems than non-caregivers. Our results reflect the family solidarity that exists in the French overseas departments but likely also the lack of alternatives for patient care. They also highlight the vulnerability of family caregivers. Thus, it appears essential to continue the efforts introduced by the 2008–2012 Alzheimer’s Plan to improve care and quality of life for patients as well as for family caregivers.

Author(s): Leon C, Pin S, Carcaillon-Bentata L, Beltzer N

Publishing year: 2016

Pages: 479-87

Weekly Epidemiological Bulletin, 2016, n° 28-29, p. 479-87

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