PALLIATIVE CARE IN ELDERLY PEOPLE WITH PARKINSON'S DISEASE

• DOI: 10.22533/at.ed.1593802302106

• Palavras-chave: Parkinson's disease; Process Assessment in Health Care; Palliative care.

• Keywords: Parkinson's disease; Process Assessment in Health Care; Palliative care.

• Abstract:

  INTRODUCTION: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurological disorder triggered by the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. It presents with motor disorders, such as bradykinesia, tremor and rigidity, and non-motor disorders, such as cognitive and mood changes, in addition to increasing the risk of heart and lung diseases. Cognitive dysfunction and mood disorders contributed to the emergence of disability and social isolation, causing a decrease in quality of life. Palliative care focuses on alleviating suffering through the management of physical, psychosocial and spiritual issues, with the help of trained professionals. To establish end-of-life care actions, the wishes of the patient, their family members and caregivers must be respected. OBJECTIVE: To analyze aspects of palliative care in elderly people with PD. METHOD: Integrative review of articles found in the LILACS, SciElo and PubMED databases, using the keywords “Palliative care”, “Palliative Care” and “Parkinson’s Disease”. RESULTS: The selected articles converge on the need for palliative care in patients with PD, as a way to improve quality of life. Another fundamental factor highlighted was the treatment of the individual as an integral being, through multidisciplinary assistance. Associated with this, individualized care plans are recommended, as well as promoting access to quality information. CONCLUSION: Palliative care in PD promotes improved quality of life for both the patient, their caregiver and their family. Furthermore, as it is not possible to standardize the progression of the disease, individualized care planning is necessary. Finally, it is essential to make the patient and family aware of the pathology and its progression, so that palliative care can begin as soon as possible, allowing the patient, in addition to having relief from suffering, to express their wishes and preferences.