Os impactos de um programa de exercício físico multicomponente em cuidadores informais e pacientes idosos com diagnóstico de doença de Alzheimer

Abstract

Currently, it is fundamental to reflect on the impact of Alzheimer's disease (AD), since it is a neurodegenerative pathology with great repercussions, both in functional impairment, cognitive and quality of life of the patient, and in the overload of their caregiver. Unfortunately, observational and interventional investigations of exercise programs for elderly people with AD are lacking and involve the study of their informal caregivers. The overall objective of this study was to evaluate the contribution of a multicomponent training (MT) program in the dynamic caregiving relationship between patient and caregiver. The study sample consisted of 12 individuals (6 patients diagnosed with mild to moderate AD and 6 related informal caregivers) living in the community. Patients with AD and their caregivers were submitted for 6 months to a MT program. This research was based on observational techniques and semi-structured interview application and all documented information was analyzed through the structure and coding techniques of the qualitative data obtained. The results of the first pilot study revealed that MT positively influences the autonomy and development of psychosocial skills in AD patients by encouraging physical stimulation and unique affective relationships, as well as their help in reintegrating the community. The second study explored the influence of a multicomponent EF program on the dynamic relationship of care. The data suggest that this systematic and planned non-pharmacological intervention attenuates the general overload experienced by caregivers and promotes new learning and healthy behaviors for them, strengthening the interpersonal relationship between informal caregiver and patient with AD.