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. 2020 Jan-Mar;14(1):56-61.
doi: 10.1590/1980-57642020dn14-010009.

Emotional disorders evidenced by family caregivers of older people with Alzheimer's disease

Carlene Souza Silva Manzini  1 , Francisco Assis Carvalho do Vale  2
Affiliations

Emotional disorders evidenced by family caregivers of older people with Alzheimer's disease

Carlene Souza Silva Manzini et al. Dement Neuropsychol. 2020 Jan-Mar.

Abstract
in English, Portuguese

The task of caring for a family member with dementia is associated with caregiver physical and emotional problems. The patient's decline in health and specific needs contribute directly to this situation.

Objective: To evaluate burden, stress, depression and anxiety symptoms in family caregivers of elderly with Alzheimer's disease.

Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive, correlational and quantitative study was carried out. The sample consisted of 66 family caregivers of elderly with Alzheimer's disease, whom attended the Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology Outpatient Clinic of the Federal University of São Carlos, in the city of São Carlos, SP, Brazil.

Results: Of the caregivers evaluated in the severe AD subgroup, 47.3% had intense burden; 86, 4% exhibited significant stress levels; 57% presented severe anxiety levels and 36.9% presented mild depression symptoms.

Conclusion: Caring for a family member with Alzheimer's disease generates burden, stress, anxiety and depression. Support groups comprising a multiprofessional team can be set up to assist caregivers. These actions can help caregivers cope with the daily demands and challenges and ensure better care quality in an increasingly aging population.

A tarefa de cuidar de um familiar com demência está relacionada a problemas físicos e emocionais no cuidador. O declínio do paciente e suas demandas específicas contribuem diretamente para essa situação.

Objetivo: Avaliar sintomas de sobrecarga, estresse, depressão e ansiedade em cuidadores familiares de idosos com doença de Alzheimer.

Métodos: Estudo transversal, descritivo, correlacional e de caráter quantitativo. A amostra foi composta por 66 cuidadores familiares de idosos com doença de Alzheimer, atendidos no Ambulatório de Neurologia da Universidade Federal de São Carlos, na cidade de São Carlos, SP, Brasil.

Resultados: Dos cuidadores alocados no subgrupo DA avançada, 47,3% foram avaliados com sobrecarga intensa; 86,4% apresentaram níveis de estresse significativo; 57% apresentaram níveis graves de ansiedade e 36,9% apresentaram sintomas de depressão leve.

Conclusão: Cuidar de um familiar com doença crônica e degenerativa como a doença de Alzheimer gera sobrecarga, assim como estresse, ansiedade e depressão. Grupos de apoio compostos por uma equipe multiprofissional podem ser implantados no sentido de garantir o acompanhamento desses cuidadores. Tais ações podem auxiliar a lidar com as demandas e os enfrentamentos diários e ainda garantir uma melhor qualidade no cuidado prestado, considerando o avanço do envelhecimento populacional.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease; aged; caregivers; dementia; family; geriatric nursing.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure: The authors report no conflicts of interest.

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