OBJECTIVES:

To characterize the burden of GA in patients and caregivers in the US and CA

METHODS:

We conducted a survey in the US and CA with 149 GA patients (102 in the US, 47 in CA) and 148 unpaid caregivers of GA patients (102 in the US, 46 in CA).

RESULTS:

There was a higher proportion of male patients in CA than in the US (62% vs. 43%), and the mean (standard deviation, SD) age was lower in the US (68 [4]) than in CA (73 [5]). Patients were mostly retired (77% in the US, 81% in CA). Patients reported receiving help from children (41% in the US, 34% in CA), partners (39% in the US, 47% in CA), and/or other family members (39% in the US, 32% in CA). More US patients reported needing daily help (68%) or a change in their living situation because of GA (38%) than did CA patients (38% and 28%, respectively). 95% and 97% of non-drivers gave up driving because of their eyesight in the US and CA, respectively.

There was a higher proportion of male caregivers in CA than in the US (61% vs. 47%), and the mean (SD) age was similar in both countries (46 [15] in the US and 44 [11] in CA). In the US, caregivers mostly reported caring for their partner (37%) or a parent (30%) while in CA they mostly reported caring for their parent (65%). 44% and 93% of US and CA caregivers were employed, respectively; time missed from work in the previous week due to caregiver responsibilities was similar (mean [SD] of 3 [6] in the US and 3 [3] hours in CA).

CONCLUSIONS:

These results highlight the substantial burden of GA on patients and their caregivers in the US and CA.