26 Predictors of carer burden in impulse control disorders in parkinson’s disease

Abstract

Aims/Objectives Impulse control behaviors (ICBs) affect 15%–35% of Parkinson’s Disease patients. There is evidence of increased carer strain due to these behaviours; however, little is known about clinical variables mediating this effect. This study aims to investigate the factors predictive of carer burden within a cohort of Parkinson’s Disease patients with ICBs. Identification of such factors may allow for targeted therapeutic intervention. Method Data was collected from 45 patients with clinically significant ICBs and their carers including levodopa equivalent daily dosage, assessments of motor and neuropsychiatric symptoms, cognitive function and ICBs. Carer burden was assessed using the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI). Univariate analyses were performed using Spearman’s Rank Correlation Coefficient. A backward model was used to remove variables to create a final multivariate model using ZBI score as the dependent variable. Results Univariate analysis identified significant correlations between ZBI and total NPI (rs=0.50, p Conclusions This is the largest study to date, looking at associations between carer burden and ICBs. Our findings indicate low mood, poor motivation, social disinhibition and neuropsychiatric symptom burden to be significant factors in carer burden. We also observe that carers reporting poorer health had increased carer strain. Further work should explore methods of physical and psychosocial support and coping strategies for carers.