NURSING ASSISTANCE PROVIDED TO PATIENTS WITH ALZHEIMER'S AND THEIR FAMILIES

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive and incurable neurodegenerative disorder, divided into four stages, with the elderly as the target audience. Over time and with the evolution of the clinical picture characteristic of Alzheimer's disease, these elderly individuals become increasingly dependent on a full-time caregiver, who in most cases is the patient's own family member. The elderly and their families face several difficulties caused by the disease. This article aimed to highlight the assistance provided by nurses to Alzheimer's patients and their families. This article aimed to gather and compare the data found, in which qualitative research was used, where an integrative bibliographic review was carried out, using as descriptors the words found in DeCs/MeSH (Health Sciences Descriptors/Medical Subject Headings), namely, Alzheimer's disease, Nurse and Caregiver. The theoretical basis was obtained from the Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) and PubMed databases. The inclusion criteria were defined by the guiding question, and articles that answered it were selected.