Dimensões implicadas na prevenção e no tratamento da demência

: a perceção dos psicólogos

Abstract

There is an increasing number of individuals affected by dementia all around the world. Since dementia implies a general deterioration of cognitive functions, the intervention of psychologists in this practice field becomes essential. Within a multidisciplinary team, psychologists can act at the level of prevention, treatment and promotion of various dimensions of psychological conditions, in order to preserve as much as possible the life quality of the person suffering from dementia. However, the delineation of their specific functions, the role they play in geriatric context and the skills and knowledge they need for a specialised and adequate practice in terms of prevention and treatment of dementia, remains confusing. Grounded on a qualitative research, this study aims to evaluate the dimensions in the prevention and treatment of dementia, according to perceptions of psychologists working in the geriatric context. To this effect, semistructured interviews were conducted to nine psychologists from 26 to 41 years old. Empathy, patience and respect were shown to be of major importance regarding some of the professional, personal and social skills that should be inherent to psychologists. Neuropsychology, Gerontopsychology and Dementias were shown to be of great importance, regarding a more specialised knowledge that psychologists must have.

Date of Award	21 Jul 2016
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	António Manuel Fonseca (Supervisor)