Results : Intentional factors affecting adherence include patient , caregiver and prescriber beliefs about therapies and the disease itself .
Conclusion : Due to the high level of caregiver involvement in the care of patients with AD , strategies that address caregiver concerns may improve adherence
Background / Aims : Treatment adherence is a major problem in numerous medical conditions , and is a particular challenge in patients with Alzheimer 's disease ( AD ) .
Caregiver preference for rivastigmine patch relative to capsules for treatment of probable Alzheimer's disease.
BACKGROUND Family caregivers comprise a critical component in the care of Alzheimer 's disease ( AD ) patients . Among their many tasks , caregivers are responsible for administering and managing medications . Effective interventions incorporate the needs of both the AD patient and the caregiver , and underst and ing treatment preferences may maximize intervention effectiveness . Transdermal patches may offer advantages over conventional oral formulations . METHODS A 24-week r and omized controlled trial compared the rivastigmine patch to the rivastigmine capsule and placebo in patients with probable AD . At baseline and Weeks 8 and 24 , the AD Caregiver Preference Question naire ( ADCPQ ) was used to evaluate caregiver expectations , preferences and satisfaction with treatment . Double-dummy treatment blinding ensured that caregiver preference for the patch or capsule was not confounded by perceptions of efficacy or tolerability . Reasons for preference were also elicited . The analytic sample included caregivers who completed the ADCPQ at Weeks 8 and /or 24 . RESULTS One thous and and fifty-nine caregivers completed the ADCPQ . More than 70 % of caregivers preferred the rivastigmine patch to the capsule . The patch was significantly preferred to the capsule with respect to ease of following the schedule and ease of use . Caregivers indicated greater satisfaction overall , greater satisfaction with administration , and less interference with daily life with the patch versus the capsule ( all p < or=0.01 ) . CONCLUSION Caregivers of AD patients preferred the patch to the capsule for drug delivery . Preference for the rivastigmine patch could potentially lead to improved compliance and improved clinical benefits
Results : Intentional factors affecting adherence include patient , caregiver and prescriber beliefs about therapies and the disease itself .
Conclusion : Due to the high level of caregiver involvement in the care of patients with AD , strategies that address caregiver concerns may improve adherence
Background / Aims : Treatment adherence is a major problem in numerous medical conditions , and is a particular challenge in patients with Alzheimer 's disease ( AD ) .