The reality of the elderly with Alzheimer’s disease caretaking: an analysis based on the elderly attended by public services

Abstract

With the increase in life expectancy, there was an increase in the prevalence of chronic-degenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The AD is a progressive neurodegenerative disease, responsible for the loss of cognitive function and autonomy. Currently, we have no measures to interrupt or modify its course; however, they are essential for an interdisciplinary assistance in different stages of the disease. The objectives of the study were: to identify the social and economic characteristics of individuals with Alzheimer’s; describe the disease’s diagnosis process; and identify the therapeutic resources used by the elderly. Interviews were carried out with 22 elderly in a specialized public clinic, using the scale of Katz, Lawton, Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE). Participants were mostly women, married (50%), with an average age of 80.2 years. The caregivers were women (59%), average age of 61.5 years, and mostly daughters, followed by spouse. They dedicated more than eight hours of daily care to the elderly, without rotation with other relatives, and 50% of the elderly relied on the financial help from their children and support from social groups. Sixty-three (63.6%) of the elderly showed partial dependence on Intrumental Daily Life Activity (AVDI). Most diagnoses were confirmed at the clinic of specialties by neurologists. The elderly used drug treatment and no one use non-pharmacological treatment.