The 36 Hour Day, Revisited: Implementing a Caregiver Support System Into Primary Care Practice

An estimated 5.3 million Americans had Alzheimer's disease in 2015. With the aging population and rapid rise in those with dementia, it is vital to not only care for the dementia patient, but also his or her primary caregiver. Caregivers often suffer from depression and neglect their own health in order to care for their loved one. In this regard, included is a review of the role of the primary care physician including the importance of discussing the diagnosis of dementia with the patient and family, providing supportive services and resources, as well as the challenges that many physicians face in tackling the care of a dementia caregiver.