Cognitive stimulation for older people with Alzheimer's disease performed by the caregiver.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: to learn the influence of cognitive therapy at home, conducted by the caregivers of older people with Alzheimer's Disease. METHOD: a case study was developed with fi ve older people with Alzheimer's Disease and their caregivers. The stages of research development were: orientation with the caregivers; selection of older people and caregivers; approach of the study subjects at home; weekly meetings and reapplication of tests to follow up the cognitive function of the participants. RESULTS: in three months it was possible to identify improved cognition, verified by the result of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). The scores of the other tests (KATZ, LAWTON, CLOCK TEST and VFT) remained the same. CONCLUSION: this strategy can be considered a light technology of nursing care for older people with dementia. When providing this care with the support of a nurse, caregivers re feel less anxious and understand the disease better.