Seventeen trials (n=4,744) were included in the review: 8 double-blind, randomised placebo-controlled trials and 9 non-randomised prospective trials, some of which were blinded.
Ten studies examined caregiver burden outcomes, four of which were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. ChEI treatment resulted in a small but statistically significant reduction in caregiver burden (d=0.179, 95% CI: 0.041, 0.316, p=0.011). The studies used between one and three tools to measure outcomes.
Seven studies assessed time used in assisting patients, six of which were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Caregivers of patients receiving ChEI reported less time expended (d=0.153, 95% CI: 0.07, 0.236, p<0.001).
Sample sizes were between 12 and 978 participants. Baseline characteristics of the caregivers were not well reported.