[Management of dementia patients: the family as corner stone]

In dementia care it is of utmost importance to include the patient's social environment, in particular his family. Established in 1988, the aims of the Swiss Alzheimer Association are to promote the support of patients suffering of Alzheimer's disease, or related disorders, and their carers, to raise the awareness of Alzheimer's disease by the medical, paramedical and social professions and to encourage their training. It also promotes the dissemination of information on dementia in the public. This article focuses mainly on the effects of dementia on the carers. They are essential partners in the care of dementia patients.