Correlation between functional independence of Parkinsons patient and Quality of life of caregiver

A neurodegenerative disease that progresses over time, Parkinsons disease is characterized by “motor and non-motor manifestations” that affect “Activities of daily living” (ADLs) and Quality of life (Qol) [1]. A caregiver who can help the patient with (ADLs) will be necessary due to the increased impairment and symptoms [2]. An essential role is played by the Caregivers of the Patients with Parkinsons (Pwp) in assisting and aiding in (ADLs), such as washing, dressing, toileting and feeding [3]. By avoiding or at least delaying the onset of complications of Parkinson’s, the caregivers of the Pwp play a prominent role in avoiding and minimalizing the institutionalization of Pwp thereby enabling them to stay within their communities for longer durations fulfilling a key wish for many people with Parkinsons [4].In a study comprising 198 individuals diagnosed with (PD), almost all of them exhibited a decrease in their capacity to carry out (ADLs) over a period of 10 years [5], For those with PD, having a caregiver has been shown to result in fewer unmet requirements, improved medication and treatment adherence, and overall higher-quality care [6].Research and studies have shown correlations between carer stress and care recipient quality of life (QoL), with higher carer strain being linked to lower QoL[7]. The increasing dependency of patients as Parkinson’s Disease progresses, will alter caregivers’ quality of life (QOL) across the continuum of care [8].The decision to institutionalize patients is influenced by the caregiving capabilities of the caregivers. Typically, the caregivers only consider institutionalization when they feel unable to cope with the physical, emotional, or financial demands of caregiving. Additionally, the stress of caring for Pwp can significantly impact caregivers’ mental and physical well-being, leading to adverse consequences [9].Elevated caregiver burden not only impacts the Qol of caregivers but also diminishes the Caliber of care and assistance provided for Pwp, resulting in negative outcomes for them. This initiates a detrimental cycle wherein the deterioration in care quality worsens the activities of daily living performed by PD patients, perpetuating a cycle of burden and reduced well-being for both caregivers and patients [10].Early identification of stress factors in caregivers is essential for preventing long-term burden, particularly when a patient’s Parkinsonism-related disability is the main contributor. This timely recognition can offer valuable understanding of the caregiving role, ultimately enhancing patient care [11]. Therefore, it’s essential to develop a better and thorough understanding of the determinants that influence the QOL of caregivers and their burden This understanding is vital for developing specific interventions aimed at supporting caregivers of Pwp [12].Hence there’s a need to analyze the Quality of life of caregivers with functional independence of Parkinson’s patients. 

The ethical clearance for this study will be obtained from the ethics committee of Father Muller Medical College. Written informed consent will be obtained from the patients/caregivers/family members after which they will be explained the details of the study procedure. Parkinson’s patients and their caregivers will be screened according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The basic parameters along with the patients MD-UPDRS scores will be noted. The Parkinsons patient will be marked on the Barthel index for functional independence and the caregiver will be administered the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire to assess the quality of life. The data will be collected in the respective data collection forms. Both the instruments will be administered on the same day.

As the illness advances, the patient’s motor impairment worsens, resulting in greater reliance on the caregiver for daily tasks. This heightened dependence amplifies the burden on the caregiver, detrimentally affecting the quality of care provided to the patient. Early recognition of stress-inducing factors in caregivers can prevent its prolonged presence, offering deeper understanding of the caregiving role and ultimately improving patient care.