Caring for Geriatric Dementia Patients in Egypt: The Effect of an Educational Training Program for Caregivers

Background : Most persons with dementia in Egypt live at home, supported mainly by family caregivers, who often develop psychological problems due to this burden affecting their quality of life. The aim of the study is to assess the effect of a caregiver training program on relieving psychological problems of Egyptian caregivers of elderly patients with dementia. A prospective interventional study was conducted on one hundred caregivers of elderly demented patients recruited from the outpatient clinic at Abbasia Psychiatric Health Hospital. The sample was divided into two groups, a control group and a treatment group subjected to a 5 steps training program. Results : The training program was associated with a significant reduction in caregiver burden (P<0.001). Severity of depression decreased from 30% to 20% in the treatment group after education. Similarly, anxiety, assessed by the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was observed to decrease from 80% to 70%. Conclusion : Training of family caregivers of persons with dementia can reduce family caregivers’ burden, stress, and improve their quality of life. Therefore, it is highly recommended.