El cuidado informal en enfermos de Alzheimer: evaluación a partir de un modelo teórico

alzheimer's disease, due to its gradual progression, compels accompanying persons for these patients. caregivers complain of discomforts associated with the care of alzheimer's patients. to be aware of this problem a descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted, aimed at characterizing caregivers of alzheimer's patients with dementia from the common dimensions of stress and coping-psychosocial adaptation models with the situation of care giving. an intentional sample was comprised of fifteen (15) caregivers and the same number alzheimer's disease patients belonging to pinar del rio city. semi-structured interviews, beck anxiety inventory test (bai), depression inventory to the center of epidemiological studies, questionnaire zarit caregiver burden, conduct and memory test, social support questionnaire, coping mode scale were applied. the presence of stress due to the quantity of hours in care giving activities was among the main results. very frequent presentation of problematical behaviors prevailed in the majority of patients, and caregivers expressed negative feelings associated with this entity; the perception of extreme burden together with anxiety and depression prevailed. coping-adaptation strategy with their responsibility was the most used, followed by self-control. the majority of caregivers perceived low-social support. the repercussion of care giving activity is confirmed in working, socioeconomic and leisure time areas.