Patients with ALS may exhibit symptoms of depression and anxiety at different levels, but there is a need for studies using specific instruments with larger samples in order to ascertain the prevalence of symptoms in ALS and the factors associated with it.

Resumo: Introdução: Esclerose lateral amiotrófica (ELA) é uma desordem neurodegenerativa que resulta na morte seletiva de neurônios motores, causando fraqueza e atrofia muscular generalizada como principais sintomas. Ainda sem cura, o doente em tratamento requer assistência na mobilidade e atividades diárias. Cuidar de um paciente com ELA implica maior ou menor sobrecarga e tempo, demandando estratégias de redução do estresse e ampliação da qualidade de vida dos cuidadores. Nesse sentido, os grupos de apoio surgem como alternativas. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar se há sobrecarga dos cuidadores de pacientes com ELA e os possíveis benefícios relacionados à participação no grupo de apoio específico a cuidadores. Método: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo e transversal, com aplicação da Escala de Sobrecarga do Cuidador -Zarit e entrevista sobre a participação no Grupo de Apoio Esperança para ELA, realizado em um hospital público do Recife. Foram avaliados sete cuidadores familiares e um profissional. Resultados: Após análise dos dados, verificou-se que a maioria dos cuidadores apresenta sobrecarga moderada e quase todos residem com o doente, o que pode contribuir para limitações e modificações no estilo de vida destes. A participação no grupo é reconhecida por todos como fonte de trocas e aprendizado sobre a doença, além de acolhedora de questões emocionais e dificuldades no cuidado. Conclusão: Conclui-se que esses cuidadores evidenciam sobrecarga moderada e se beneficiam do apoio recebido no Grupo Esperança para ELA. No entanto, outras estratégias podem ser necessárias para minimização dessa sobrecarga e segurança no cuidado ao doente. Palavras-chave: Esclerose Amiotrófica Lateral, Cuidadores, Efeitos Psicossociais da Doença, Determinação de Necessidades de Cuidados de Saúde. Evaluation of overloading on caregivers of people with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)Abstract: Introduction: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder that results in the selective death of motor neurons, with weakness and generalized muscle atrophy as primary symptoms. With cure yet to be found, the patients in treatment need assistance in mobility and daily activities. Taking care of a patient with ALS results in varying degrees of burden and time, demanding stress reduction strategies and an increase in the quality of life of caregivers. In this sense, support groups emerge as alternatives. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess whether caregivers of patients with ALS exhibit burden and the possible benefits from participating in a support group specifically designed for them. Method: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study that applied the Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale and Interview regarding participation in the "Hope for ALS" support group, at a public hospital in Recife, Brazil. Seven families' caregivers and one professional caregiver were assessed.Results: Data analysis showed that most caregivers exhibit moderate burden and nearly all live with the patient, which may contribute to...

In the differential diagnosis between Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and normal aging, tests evaluating memory and executive functions are frequently used. The addition of abstraction tests may enhance the effectiveness of screening tests for AD.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to compare initial data of a new instrument – The Screening Test for Alzheimer’s Disease with Proverbs (STADP) – against other screening tests used in AD diagnosis.MethodsSixty elderly individuals (46 controls and 14 AD subjects with CDR=1), aged =60 years, with at least one year of schooling, were evaluated using the STADP at outpatient clinic. The STADP assesses short-term memory, episodic memory, executive functions and language, in addition to proverb recognition. The performance of the participants on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), semantic Verbal Fluency (VF) and Clock Drawing Test (CDT) were evaluated and the habit of reading, writing and sociodemographic data were also taken into account.ResultsThere were significant correlations between STADP and the performance on the MMSE (r=0.64), CDT (r=0.50) and VF (r=0.56). Age influenced all sub-items of the STADP, specifically episodic memory (r= –0.54), whereas schooling mainly influenced executive functions and language (r=0.46). The total score, stages A and C and the “proverb recognition” of STADP (p<0.001), as well as the MMSE (p<0.001), CDT (p=0.016), VF (p<0.001) were significantly different in AD versus control groups.ConclusionsThe findings point to the potential use of the STADP in AD, warranting the conducting of further studies.

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