Affiliations: [a] School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| [b] Research Group of Family Health and Ilness for Research Center on Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| [c] CESPU – Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário, Portugal and Institute of Research and Advanced Training in Heath Sciences and Technologies (INFACTS/CESPU), Portugal
| [d] Serviço de Neurologia for Department of Neurology, Hospital Senhora da Oliveira, Guimarães, Portugal
| [e]
Academic Center Human Research Program, Hospital Senhora da Oliveira, Guimarães, Portugal
| [f]
Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| [g] Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Portugal
| [h] Department of Neurology, Hospital S. João, Portugal
Correspondence:
[*]
Correspondence to: Sara Lima, School of Psychology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga,
Portugal. Tel.: +253604683; Fax: +253604224; E-mail: ssofialima@gmail.com.
Abstract: Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a chronic degenerative disease leading to global cognitive and functional decline. Quality of Life (QOL) is an important variable in the effectiveness of intervention programs in dementia. Objective: This study analyzed the relationships between gender, psychological variables and QOL, the predictors of QOL, and the role of spirituality as a moderator between functionality and QOL. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 128 patients with mild AD. Results: Being a male, good social support, and high functionality were significant predictors of better QOL. Spirituality was a moderator in the relationship between functionality and QOL. Conclusion: These results reinforce the importance of gender, psychological morbidity, social support, and functionality, with special emphasis on the role of spirituality, regarding intervention programs that promote QOL, in patients with mild AD.
Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, quality of life, self-care, spirituality
