Support groups for caregivers of patients with Dementia A comparative study

Since the dementias lead to the need for caregivers, a Group for Dementia Caregivers (GC) was set up where the present study compared the psychosocial characteristics, quality of life and caregiver overload in a Group For Dementia Caregivers (GC) with caregivers not involved in this scheme (non-GC). Methods: 19 pri- mary caregivers counseled by this group (GC group) was studied and compared to a group of 13 caregivers not receiving such counseling (non-GC group). The instruments used were the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-bref), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Caregiver Load Scale (CLS). Results: The two groups did not differ in mean age or gender (P Non-GC). The STAI revealed a signifi cant difference (p Non-GC), but not in the State subscale. There was no signifi cant difference in CLS. Conclusion: The GC appeared to be of benefi t to its participants, with probable positive repercussions on the patients, particularly regarding their quality of life.