HEALTHY LIFESTYLE HABITS: CHALLENGES FOR CAREGIVERS OF PEOPLE WITH NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASES

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the challenges that caregivers of people with Parkinson's and/or Alzheimer's diseases participating in the Reviver Project of the Federal University of Amapá face in adopting healthy habits. Methods: This is a qualitative and descriptive study, the research was carried out with caregivers of people with Parkinson's and/or Alzheimer's (n=13) participating in the Reviver Project, which has been approved by the ethics committee (66758017.0.0000.0003). Results: It was possible to observe that the main challenges to obtain healthier lifestyle habits in this public were lack of motivation (20.51%), lack of time (17.95%), procrastination (15.38%) and financial resources (15.38%). Final considerations: The practice of hobbies, the presence of a support network, and adequate rest are fundamental measures to promote the health of caregivers and, consequently, improve the quality of care provided. In this way, the adoption of healthy habits will strengthen and improve the health of these caregivers, providing resources to deal with daily challenges effectively.