INTRODUCTION: Depressive symptoms and dementia are the most prevalent mental problems among the elderly. The quality of life of patients suffering from these disorders depends mostly on their caretakers. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to conduct research studies describing the caretaker's perceptions, interpretations and actions in relation to different types of dementia disorders, coping strategies developed associated with different actors and mobilization of cultural references connected to the experience of dementia. METHOD: In the present study, based on the theory of social representations, 15 caretakers were interviewed, focusing on their experiences and feelings about this disorder and their coping strategies. RESULTS: Content analysis indicated that decreased instrumental activities were the first signs alerting caretakers about their relative's problem. At the same time as caretakers consider life events, organicity and heredity to explain their relative's problem, they also raise other aspects, which are intimately associated with the sociocultural context, influencing the actions taken regarding the dementia syndrome. CONCLUSION: This is essential information to plan interventions and public policies adapted to the characteristics of that population.
Caretaker; dementia; social representation; ageing