Efectos de un programa de ejercicio físico a domicilio en cuidadores de pacientes de Alzheimer : un estudio piloto

Alzheimer's disease not only affects the patients who suffer from it; it also has a marked impact on their family environment. The caregiver's quality of life and their emotional well-being are seriously affected. Many earlier studies have studied this issue from different perspectives: cognitive-behavioral, psycho-educational models, individual and/or group interventions, programmes based on physical activity, etc.. In many cases, the caregiver's main handicap or difficulty is attending these programmes. This study aims to assess the applicability and effectiveness of an individual home-care exercise programme as regards the psychological profile and self-perceived burden of a group of 32 informal caregivers. A high level of attendance was achieved and significant improvements in depression levels were achieved. The improvement expected in the self-perceived burden and anxiety levels were not significant. This programme's main contribution is its capacity to help female caregivers stick to physical activities