Valutazione della percezione dell'efficacia dei trattamenti antidemenza in Italia

▶Aim. The aim fo the study was to collect the opinions of dementia caregivers to assess their expectations and perception of dementia treatment effectiveness. ▶Methods. We interviewed dementia caregivers by use of a questionnaire published on the Federazione Alzheimer Italia website. The questionnaire was divided in three sections: 1) information on the dementia patient; 2) information on perception of dementia treatment effectiveness; 3) information on caregivers. ▶Results. During the three months of access time, 439 questionnaires were completed and 369 were approved for the study. Of these, 329 collected information on caregivers. Out of the patients, 76% had a diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease, 73% were female, and the mean age was 77 years. Of the caregivers, 67% were female and the average age was 47 years. The overall mean score of the perceived effect of dementia drugs was low: 1.6, IC 95% 1,4-1,8. Caregivers' specific expectations and criticisms concerning treatment effectiveness and changes in their lifestyles were identified. ▶Conclusions. This study collected informations from a large cohort of caregivers on their perceptions of dementia treatment and highlights the need to find a pharmaceutical treatment to ensure a resolution of symptoms and improve outcomes of dementia.