Quality of life in patients with dementia followed at a Homeopathic outpatient service in Rio Branco, Acre

Abstract

Dementia is one of the main pathologies of the elderly. Because it is a difficult-to-treat disease, complementary therapies have been used to provide a better quality of life. This quality of life can be evaluated through items about basic activities and instrumental activities of daily living, allowing a better monitoring of the needs of this population group. The aim of this study was to evaluate functional status and quality of life indicators in patients with dementia who have complementary homeopathic treatment at the Hospital do Idoso de Rio Branco. Patients with clinical dementia were evaluated, followed up at the Hospital do Idoso da Fundação Hospitalar do Acre and with complementary homeopathic treatment between 2019 and 2021. The patients were predominantly female, with a mean age of 77.5 years, non-schooled and retired. Patients with mild, moderate and severe dementia diagnosed with probable Alzheimer's dementia, probable or possible Frontotemporal dementia, and vascular dementia were identified. About 93.3% of the patients were totally dependent on the instrumental activities of daily living. The activities that involved money and taking the medication were the most assisted. It is concluded that the severity of the dementia affects the functional dependence of the elderly.