Effectiveness of a Psychoeducation and Support Protocol by Phone in the Aid of Caregivers of Patients With Dementia.

Dementias are neurodegenerative syndromes typical of the elderly population and causing a high degree of disability and sick of dependence on others for care. Caregivers of patients with dementia, especially those belonging to the same family suffer with high overhead and is often affected by losses in their own health. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of a psychoeducation and protocol support, conducted by telephone, in aid of patients with dementia caregivers in specialized outpatient treatment. It will be selected patients in outpatient specialized care. The primary outcome is the change in Zarit Scale.

Dementias are neurodegenerative syndromes typical of the elderly population and cause a high degree of incapacity and dependence of the patient in relation to the care of others. Caregivers of patients with dementia, especially those belonging to the same family, suffer from a high degree of overload, and are often affected by impairments in their own health. Previous studies have shown that telephone interventions for the assistance and guidance of these individuals have a positive impact on their own quality of life as well as on the family members under their care. Measures like this can also optimize specialized services and facilitate the search for medical help when needed.

In this way, the present study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a psychoeducation and support protocol, performed by telephone, to assist caregivers of patients with dementia under specialized outpatient follow-up.

Patients will be divided into two groups. Participants in the intervention group, in addition to the usual primary health care, will receive weekly telephone contacts over a period of eight weeks, previously scheduled with psychoeducational guidelines and support in the management of their relatives and with dementia. The control group will receive the usual follow-up at the in primary health care. Both group will received a prited materials about problematic behavior.

Considering the prevalence and impact of dementia syndromes, it is necessary to conduct studies that are directed at reducing the burden and promoting the information and care of the caregivers of patients with dementia, also providing an improvement in the quality of care. The present project brings as scientific contribution an innovative approach to the reality of our country, with great potential to become an alternative, cost-effective and easily accessible measure for the assistance of people with dementia and their relatives and caregivers.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* home caregivers
* female and of the same family as the patient
* dementia of any etiology and severity
* caregivers should be responsible for the patient for at least 40 hours per week and for a -minimum period of 6 months
* must have at least 4 years of formal study

Exclusion Criteria:

* caregivers with physical limitations that prevent the application of research instruments
* patients with significant functional impairment related to other diseases
* plans by the caregiver to place the patient in a long-term home in the next 6 months.