Overburden in Alzheimer’s Patient Caregivers

Abstract

The figure of the caregiver of dependent elderly people is presently the subject of a large volume of scientific publications. In various disciplines of health and social sciences, an analysis of the terminology referring to these caregivers, specifically those who are untrained and unpaid for such care, in recent scientific publications, is considered necessary. This chapter makes a comprehensive analysis of the characteristics and needs of caregivers of elderly dependents with Alzheimer's disease. From a realistic and practical point of view, it is the impact of research on improving the quality of life of caregivers which is important. In addition, this analysis attempts to complete a process addressing theoretical and methodological aspects, in which various problems are detected, for their effective application in the field of care of dependency.