Management of Alzheimer's disease. A family affair

The various approaches to the patient with Alzheimer's disease are receiving much attention, but relatively little has been written about the important role physicians can serve in helping the patient's family deal with the disease. In managing Alzheimer's disease, the physician's relationship with family members may be as important as or even more important than his or her relationship with the patient. Establishing and maintaining a successful relationship involve early assessment of family function, periodic home visits, coordination of available community resources, regular assessment of caregivers' coping skills, and regular discussions about the limits of home care and the possibility of placement in a nursing home. When nursing home care is chosen, the physician can, by continuing his or her involvement, help assure provision of the highest quality care possible.