Alzheimer's and the challenges of nursing care for the elderly and their family caregivers

Abstract

Introduction: In recent years, there has been an increase in life expectancy, accompanied by aging and a higher incidence of chronic degenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease. This progressive condition leads to dependence, loss of autonomy, cognitive impairment, memory changes, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and behavioral changes, necessitating the constant presence of a caregiver. Objective: To describe the role of primary care nurses in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and to understand the care needs of patients and their caregivers. Materials and Methods: An integrative literature review was conducted, including scientific articles in the SciELO, LILACS, and PubMed databases. Articles available in full, in Portuguese or English, were included, and opinion pieces, editorials, and duplicates were excluded. Results: The initial search identified 556 publications (3 in SciELO, 547 in LILACS, and 6 in PubMed). After screening on the Rayyan platform, 40 duplicates were removed, leaving 516 articles for title and abstract analysis, of which 498 were excluded for not meeting the eligibility criteria. Eighteen articles were evaluated in full, resulting in the exclusion of 12 studies, and, ultimately, six articles were considered eligible for review. The studies highlighted that caring for older adults with Alzheimer's disease presents significant challenges, especially in Primary Health Care, due to limited professional training, difficulty in early diagnosis, caregiver burden, and structural and resource constraints. Cultural barriers, disease stigma, and fragile continuity of care were also identified, affecting the comprehensiveness of care. Final Conclusion: Although professionals recognize Alzheimer's disease as a neurodegenerative condition that affects cognitive functions, there is a gap in the implementation of specific care strategies that effectively improve the quality of life of patients and support their families. The research highlights the need for investment in ongoing training for nursing professionals, the development of specific public policies, and the creation of structured support networks for caregivers, promoting more humane, effective, and sustainable care.