Topics in Gerontology

Caring for an Alzheimer's patient often triggers new demands for caregivers, family members and society. In Brazil, the Brazilian Alzheimer's Association (ABRAz) was set up in 1992 to offer support to caregivers. By means of a systematic review, this study identified the topics covered in research carried out with ABRAZ caregiver support groups and linked them to studies in the Geriatrics and Gerontology Treatise. A total of 526 articles were found and 16 were selected after classification. They were grouped into 22 gerontology themes and then subdivided into three subareas: aspects related to caregivers; the Alzheimer's patient; and the support network of caregivers and/or the Alzheimer's patient. The different themes highlight the vast heterogeneity of the demands made by caregivers of Alzheimer's patients, with around 70% being directly related to the caregivers, many demands may have causal issues between them, and gerontological interventions are indicated for their resolution.