Alzheimer’s family caregivers: literature review

Abstract

Study of systematic reviews with the objective of analyzing the issues related to family caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's disease, reported in national journals, available on the internet, from1999 to 2008. Data were obtained by the use of descriptors such as: dementia/Alzheimer's disease x care/caregivers x family x nursing. We found nine essays according to our criteria of inclusion, in Scientific Electronic Library Online, Nursing Database and Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences databases. Analysis followed the thematic analysis’ precepts and then information was grouped into two themes, analyzed and interpreted. The first theme is about the repercussions on the lives of the family: presence of physical and mental stress among caregivers. Te second one is about the family’s motivation, knowledge and skills, needed to provide care. As results, we identified that there are repercussions on the caregivers’ lives, such as physical and mental overload. We also identified that motivation, knowledge and special skills are needed, so that the family caregiver can actually care the one who needs him. We can conclude that health professionals must direct their attitudes and take the responsibility of promoting a qualified assistance to the aged people that need care, and to their families