Características de idosos acometidos pela doença de Alzheimer e seus familiares cuidadores principais

This study aimed at characterizing older adults who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease and their main family caregivers. It consists of a descriptive study, carried out in the municipality of Maringa-PR in the period between December 2010 and March 2011, involving eight caregivers. Data were collected through interviews and analyzed through statistical procedures, with analysis by simple frequency and absolute percentage. Most caregivers were female, with a mean age of 54.8 years, married, with 8 years of education or more, who had a health condition. Among the older adults, most of them were female with a mean age of 80.8 years, having 3 years of education or less, with comorbidities and in a moderate stage of the disease. Knowing the profile of caregivers and patients may contribute to the adoption of intervention strategies by health professionals in order to meet their needs in an individualized and humanized manner. Descriptors: Alzheimer Disease; Caregivers; Aged; Nursing.