When support matters: quality of life in alzheimer’s family caregivers

Family caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s disease often experience substantial physical, psychological, and social challenges that negatively affect their quality of life. This study aimed to examine caregiver burden and quality of life and to identify associated sociodemographic and caregiving-related factors among family caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Erzurum, Türkiye, between December 2021 and January 2023, among family caregivers of patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease who attended the Neurology Department and Memory Clinic of Atatürk University Hospital. Caregiver burden was assessed using the Zarit Burden Interview, and quality of life was measured using the 36-item Short Form Health Survey. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify factors independently associated with caregiver burden and quality of life. A total of 312 family caregivers were included in the study. Higher caregiver burden was significantly associated with lower scores in mental health, social functioning, and general health perception domains of the SF-36. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that unemployment, lower income level, and longer duration of caregiving were independently associated with higher caregiver burden ( p < 0.05). Caregiver burden among family caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s disease is closely related to reduced quality of life. Socioeconomic factors and caregiving duration play a significant role in shaping caregiver burden. Interventions targeting psychosocial support and economic vulnerability may help improve caregivers’ quality of life.