Quality of life of subjects with Parkinson’s disease and caregivers

Background Parkinson´s disease (PD) interferes in the autonomy and independence of the subjects and affects their quality of life (QoL). Due to difficulty with the care, the QoL of caregivers can also be impaired. Purpose To assess and to compare the QoL of subjects with Parkinson´s disease and their caregivers and to correlate quality of life and subjects´ characteristics. Material and methods Ten subjects with PD, mean age of 65.4 years, and eight caregivers, mean age of 60.6 years, both gender, took part in this study. A questionnaire comprising characteristics of the subjects, PDQ-39 questionnaire, SF-36 questionnaire, UPDRS and modified Hoehn and Yahr scale were used to evaluation. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficient, using 5% level of significance. Results General perception about QoL of subjects with PD and their caregivers was moderately good. However, motor and emotional aspects have a negative impact on QoL of subjects with PD. On the other hand, social, mental and demographic aspects seem not to influence significantly. Emotional, social and physical factors and, personal characteristics are related to worse perception of caregivers about your QoL. Characteristics of the subjects with PD and those related to care not presented significant correlation with QoL of caregivers. Conclusions To know the main factors that interfere in the QoL helps to address prevention strategies, orientation, support and treatment of subjects with PD and their caregivers. Attention to health should be integral considering a group of aspects.