ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE: THE EXPERIENCE OF ILLNESS FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF FAMILY CAREGIVERS
Abstract
The Alzheimer's disease is characterized by being a degenerative disease that affects the brain, promoting progressive impairment of mental function. The disease progresses to a stage of total dependence, which requires the assistance of health professionals and family caregivers. This study aimed to describe the relationship between the patient and family caregiver; and, to understand how the family caregivers experiences the care. The methodology adopted was the oral history with the technique of semi-structured interview and content analysis. The themes were: Family Caregivers and patients: initial experience; The discovery of the disease: how it happens; How the family caregiver experiences the disease. The experience of care for patients of Alzheimer's disease requires changes in the family dynamics of caregivers, which require knowledge about the disease, symptoms and evolution. These changes generate anxiety and despair in family caregivers and adaptation to exercise the care in different situations that are emerging with the disease.Downloads
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The opinions expressed are the sole responsibility of the author (s). When submitting the manuscript to the Editorial Board of Study Psychology, the author (s) assumes responsibility for not having previously published or submitted the same manuscript by another journal. In case of multiple authorship, the manuscript must be accompanied by an authorization signed by all authors. Articles accepted for publication become the property of the journal, and can be remixed and reused as provided for in theby a license Creative Commons CC-BY.
