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Resilience in caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease: A human condition to overcome caregiver vulnerability

A Resiliência em cuidadores de pessoas com doença de Alzheimer: Uma condição humana para superar a vulnerabilidade do cuidador

La resiliencia en cuidadores de personas con enfermedad de Alzheimer: Una condición humana para superar la vulnerabilidad del cuidador

Abstract

In general, the experience of providing assistance to and dealing with the complications experienced by a person with Alzheimer's disease puts caregivers in a situation of high risk, vulnerability, and stress, causing serious physical and emotional problems. However, some caregivers adopt a resilient mindset, which helps them to experience and express positive feelings as well as lower their burden in relation to the care. This positive experience occurs because caregivers perceive the process of caring as less adverse. They face the situation of care with a more positive mindset and are able to resist and maintain adaptive functioning. The objective of the present narrative literature review was to emphasize the need to develop intervention programs for caregivers based on salutogenic models of resilience, resistance, and personal growth to promote positive individual, family, and community resources.

Keywords:
alzheimer's disease; resilience; vulnerability; psychological intervention; caregivers

Programa de Pós-graduação em Psicologia e do Programa de Pós-graduação em Psicobiologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte Caixa Postal 1622, 59078-970 Natal RN Brazil, Tel.: +55 84 3342-2236(5) - Natal - RN - Brazil
E-mail: revpsi@cchla.ufrn.br