Benefits Perceived by Caregivers of Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease on Physical and Emotional Health in an Interdisciplinary Program: A Qualitative Study

TL;DR

This study explores how an interdisciplinary program helps caregivers of Alzheimer's patients improve their physical and emotional health.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into the benefits of combining psychological, educational, and physical interventions for Alzheimer's caregivers.

Findings

Caregivers reported improved emotional management and coping abilities.

Participants experienced better physical capacity and improved relationships.

The interdisciplinary program was seen as a valuable tool for daily life.

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, severely affecting the families and caregivers who live with those affected. The aim was to explore the physical, psychological, and behavioral benefits for caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease. Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with informal Alzheimer’s caregivers upon completion of the program. Following a discussion on the topics, categories, and codes among the researchers, a consensus was reached to obtain the final themes and categories. Three main categories were obtained: (1) perceived benefits by the participants; (2) applicability of the knowledge; and (3) proposals for improvement. Participants expressed having perceived improvements in their ability to manage emotions and cope with the situation created by the disease, physical capacity, and in their relationships. In this sense, the application of the contents addressed during the intervention became a fundamental tool for the participants’ daily lives. This study showed how an interdisciplinary intervention with psychological sessions, health education, and physical activities could be beneficial for improving both the physical and mental health of caregivers.

Figures