Journal of Alzheimers Disease & Parkinsonism
Open Access

Abstract

The research deals with the care of elderly patients with Alzheimer's disease, which is a severe dementia associated with old age and a high increase of diagnosis is observed in Brazil. The objectives were the recognition of importance that a regular multi-professional course is given to a family caregiver; exercises the quality of accompaniment to the elderly that is to recognize the role of health education. Participants comprised group A of caregivers who participated in a course that is regularly offered at the Taguatinga Health Unit, reference center for geriatric care and in group B of caregivers who did not participate in the course. The research is qualitative and descriptive. The collection was carried out in April and May of 2017 through a structured interview. Content analysis was used, and the research was approved by the Government Ethics Committee. The majority profiles of the interviewees are of the women married over 45 years old and some elderly without a higher educational degree. They are usually daughters who have lived with elderly people for more than seven years. Respondents in group A reported having knowledge about the disease and felt prepared to deal with care for the elderly, unlike group B, who stated lack of knowledge and feeling of unpreparedness for dealing with the elderly. Both groups showed similarity only when they agreed on the importance of a course of care. In general, the research presents questions that merit reflection (Metacognitive Reflection and Insight Therapy). We recognize the importance of health education and its positive impact on the complex chain that is care for the elderly with Alzheimer’s and validates the relevance of the course periodically offered by a health unit that has turned to this significant clientele, who are family caregivers, a strategic link between the elderly and health services.

Biography

E-mail: renatabraz.santos@gmail.com