Procesos de acompañamiento psicoterapéuticos con técnicas cognitivo-conductuales, utilizadas en pacientes de la tercera edad con enfermedad de Parkinson.

Abstract

The present investigation undertook to systematically review 50 scientific articles that will address psychotherapeutic processes in people suffering from Parkinson's disease through treatments based on the cognitive behavioral approach. Throughout the analysis it was evidenced that, during the last decades, there has been an increase in the global aging index, this has contributed to more people presenting diseases typical of this stage. Of which, one of the most common is dementia. This condition is strongly linked to neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, etc.). Parkinson's disease, a neurodegenerative disease, is characterized by causing progressive and irreversible damage to those who suffer from it. This damage usually occurs both at a physical level (involuntary movements, stiffness, poor posture, etc.) and at a cognitive level (mental functions such as attention, perception, awareness, memory, language, among others). It has a worldwide prevalence of 300 to 600 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. For this reason, it is common within the field of research to question which treatments will bring results with greater benefits. That said, the objective of this review focuses on the analysis of cognitive-behavioral treatments used in this disease. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) seeks to study and modify cognitive, emotional and physical responses, as well as maladaptive behaviors. They usually include psychoeducational techniques that can be implemented to promote social development and the communication process. Once the review was carried out, it was observed that the improvement in motor symptoms through CBT was not entirely significant. Pharmacological treatments continue to be the preferred option to treat these symptoms. On the other hand, it was observed that they represent a higher incidence when it comes to non-motor symptoms; 42 of the 50 articles claim to show notable improvements in the reduction of these symptoms. Psychoeducation, as a technique, had the greatest impact, followed by the application of relaxation techniques. However, despite the benefits that it entails, today it can be concluded that CBTs work better as complementary treatment than as individual treatment.