CHALLENGES AND STRATEGIES THAT CAREGIVERS FACE WITH PATIENTS WITH ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Population aging has significantly increased the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease (AD), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that compromises patient autonomy and requires continuous care. This study, through an integrative literature review, aims to understand how family and professional caregivers deal with the care of individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's, highlighting the difficulties they face and the possible strategies adopted. Eight articles published between 2015 and 2025 were selected from PubMed, Scielo, LILACS, and the Virtual Health Library databases, applying rigorous inclusion criteria and methodological analysis. The results indicate that caregivers face physical, emotional, and financial burdens, in addition to changes in family relationships, requiring the adoption of various coping strategies, such as social support and routine organization. The conclusion is that, beyond clinical care, it is essential to promote public policies that offer psychosocial support and technical training to caregivers, aiming to improve their quality of life and ensure humane and effective care for patients with Alzheimer's disease.