Parkinson’s disease (PD) affects approximately 9.4 million people worldwide and brings progressive motor and non-motor challenges that often shift roles within families and heighten demands on informal caregivers. This review synthesized 41 cross-sectional studies (1997–2023) on predictors of caregiver burden (CB) using multivariable models. Across heterogeneous measures and definitions, several factors consistently predicted higher CB: greater impact of PD motor symptoms on activities of daily living, more severe neuropsychiatric symptoms (eg, psychosis, mood/apathy), poorer PD patient quality of life, and worse caregiver mental health (depression/anxiety). Evidence was mixed for disease stage, duration, motor severity (scale-dependent), functional ability, non-motor symptoms, caregiver involvement, and protective factors like coping style or social support—suggesting moderation/mediation by other variables. Demographics (patient or caregiver), motor complications, and global cognition were generally not predictive.
The pattern of findings indicates practical levers: manage neuropsychiatric symptoms, support caregivers’ mental health, address motor issues, and target quality of life to reduce CB. Cultural context, caregiver–patient relationship (spouse vs parent), and measure choice mattered, implying the need for subgroup-tailored supports. Future work should standardize definitions and instruments, favor theory-driven multivariable models, and examine mediators/moderators to clarify mixed results.
Reference: Lesley R, Simpson J, Dale M, et al. Predictors of Informal Caregiver Burden in Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review. West J Nurs Res. 2025;47(6):524-543. doi: 10.1177/01939459251327968.
