Advances in Alzheimer’s Disease Research: Implications for Family Caregiving

Abstract

(from the chapter) Three areas of research hold interest for family members of persons with dementia. These pertain to research concerning the person with dementia, the process of caregiving, and the impact of caregiving on the caregivers. Whereas a complete discussion of these issues is beyond the scope of this chapter, some of the highlights of this research are described below. In this chapter, we focus on family caregivers. Professional caregivers, such as nursing staff members in nursing homes, also suffer burdens related to caregiving for persons with dementia. The interaction between professional and family caregivers and how they can support each other is another topic that needs further research. Research involving systems that support caregivers is also needed. Such systems would help coordinate care as well as address the educational, psychological, financial, and physical aspects of caregiving in a coordinated manner that responds to the life changes in the care receiver and the care recipient. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2013 APA, all rights reserved) (chapter)