O PAPEL DO ENFERMEIRO FRENTE A FAMÍLIA E O DOENTE DE ALZHEIMER

Abstract

This work addresses the relevance of what is Alzheimer's disease considered a public health problem, as well as it is manifested and because it is increasing new cases every day of this dementia. Demonstrating through books, scientific publications and websites, this research uses a bibliographic approach of the descriptive type, which through a review of the scientific literature aimed to explain the history of the discovery of the disease in the year 1906 by the German Alois Alzheimer; epidemiology in Brazil; the neuropathology, being understood in three phases until the death of the patient, thus detailing the differences in each stage of Alzheimer's disease (AD); the clinical manifestations, being these less perceived in the beginning of the disease because it thinks that to lose the memory or to be confused is part of the normal aging; the diagnosis, which confirms AD after necropsy of the patient because it shows the identification of the increased number of senile and neurofibrillary plaques; therefore there is no cure for AD, but the treatments may be non-pharmacological (homeopathic) and pharmacological (drugs available that seek to reinforce the efficiency of injured neurons); the family relationship with this patient is fundamental, being the family as always the bond of strength to the loved one and finally the fundamental action of the nurse who provides care directed to this patient, and must use the nursing process through the systematization of the assistance of nursing (SAE), because it is a scientific and dynamic methodology.