Alzheimer's Disease: Caregiver Burden

Caregiver burden in the context of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other forms of dementia refers to both (a) the objective sets of tasks or forms of assistance provided by family member's to ill people and (b) the feelings of psychological strain that are often associated with providing such care. Caregiver burden can result in negative health outcomes, including the development or exacerbation of physical and/or psychiatric symptoms and illnesses in the family member(s) providing care. This entry describes these family caregivers and their role in providing care and assistance to persons with AD. Health outcomes linked to caregiver burden are discussed, and selected assessment instruments are identified to guide health care providers when evaluating various aspects of family AD caregiver burden. A range of interventions ...