Impact of Family Function on the Quality of Life and Health Perception of Non-Institutionalized Dementia Patients

Abstract

Background: Dementia is one of the pathologies that has increased the most among the older population (mainly Alzheimer’s disease), and it has a direct impact on the quality of life (QoL), cognitive performance, and health of these patients. Family functionality can play a role in this QoL if these patients are not institutionalized. Objective: To analyze the role of family function in the QoL and health perception of non-institutionalized dementia patients, as well as related variables such as anxiety, depression, optimism, or pessimism. Methods: Cross-sectional study with a sample of 54 patients diagnosed with some type of dementia, non-institutionalized, or in outpatient care, from different centers in the province of Valencia (Spain). The EQ-5D, MMSE, Apgar Family or general health, and Goldberg anxiety and depression questionnaires were utilized. Results: The correlation of the Apgar Family with the General Health Questionnaire-new onset problems variable (GHQ) and Chronicity and General Health Questionnaire-chronic problems (CGHQ) of the Goldberg Quality of Life questionnaire was statistically significant and negative (GHQ r = –0.310; p = 0.034. CGHQ r = –0.363; p = 0.012); as well as between Apgar Family and Anxiety-Depression (r = –0.341; p = 0.020). The correlation of the Apgar Family with the Life Orientation Test-Pessimism variable (LOT) was statistically significant and negative (r = –0.270; p = 0.061). Finally, severe dysfunction of Apgar Family has a negative correlation with self-perception of health (p = 0.036 B = –16.589) determined by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Conclusion: Family functionality directly influences anxiety, depression, optimism, and pessimism. This could explain why family function is related to the QoL of patients and their self-perception of health.