The experiences of informal caregiver of persons with Alzheimer´s disease : a descriptive literature review

Background: Alzheimer's disease accounts for 60% to 80% of global dementia cases. The most common cause of dementia, its prevalence rate continues to rise. Meanwhile, informal caregivers are under great pressure and urgently need social attention and systematic support.Aim: The literature review aimed to describe the experiences of informal caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease.Method: This study was a descriptive literature review. The PubMed database was used to search for qualitative articles and mixed-methods articles. Finally, ten articles were selected, according to the research objectives and research questions, and summarized their findings.Results: The selected ten articles indicate that the experiences of informal caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease are divided into five categories, which included enhancing informal caregivers' competence in Alzheimer's care through education and social support, improving caregiver-person relationships through mental health support and moral values, interdisciplinary support and financial relief for family caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's, realizing physical exercise benefits for persons with Alzheimer's and acceptance of assisted robots.Conclusion: Informal caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease faced many challenges, particularly a lack of knowledge and experience, as well as mental health issues. To improve the quality of care, various interventions were needed. At the same time, addressing caregivers' mental health was key to maintaining a good caregiving relationship and enhancing care quality.