Abstract

Dementia is now considered a “social disease,” involving the sick individual and the social network in which he or she is embedded. Families are deeply involved in the process of care and assistance and face enormous physical and psychological stresses related to the disease and the changes it brings about in the affected person. Considering the duration of this disease, estimated at around 10 years, one realizes the strong social impact that this condition imposes and how important it is to seek interventions that aim to counter the course of cognitive impairment and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. This paper was created to attend to the social implications caused by the condition The topic discussed would deserve a broader debate that cannot be initiated here: however, it is worth mentioning that although the disease in question has a large neurodegenerative component, the little knowledge there is about its pathogenesis and, above all, the need to emphasize the socio-cultural component as a safeguard element result to be sufficient arguments to leave aside the diatribe between neurological and mental and consider the need for an interdisciplinary approach. There are different types of interventions aimed at the patient and caregiver; in this paper we will illustrate, based on clinical experience and research findings, which are to be considered most effective.

Keywords:Dementia; Health Literacy care giver burden; Care ability; Social inclusion