A saúde mental de familiares que cuidam de pacientes com doença de alzheimer: revisão integrativa

Abstract

Advances in technology have increased life expectancy in Brazil and around the world. As a result, there has been an increase in chronic and degenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease. This disease is a subtype of dementia, characterized by loss of memory, cognitive, physical and spatial functions, which leads to dependence in the elderly. Therefore, the progression of the disease affects not only the elderly, but also their entire family.Objective:Identify the impact of the task of caring for a patient with Alzheimer's on the quality of life of the caregiver. Point out the challenges and coping strategies in the task of caring for a patient with Alzheimer's.Methodology: This is a literature review in which data were collected from databases such as Scielo, Lilacs, Pubmed, Virtual Health Library (BVS), DOAJ, Latindex, Bireme and CAPES Periodicals Portal. Data were collected between 2015 and 2025. Results:Alzheimer's disease affects not only the patient, but also their family caregivers. There are several physical and psychological impacts faced, as well as personal and social challenges, but these effects are mitigated according to the coping methods used by caregivers.Final considerations: It was found that the health-disease process causes changes in the entire family nucleus, with the main caregiver being the most affected. In most situations, this caregiver has no one to share their demands and feelings with, and is not recognized for their role as caregiver, and is not assisted by the health service or public agencies.