Normal aging and dementia disorders--coping and crisis in the family

At present we have limited possibilities to treat dementia disorders. One way to intervene in the progress is to support the family. In this investigation the situation of the family and the primary caregivers to patients with dementia disorders are studied. One group consists of 171 patients admitted to a geropsychiatric unit. Relatives to these patients were interviewed. A subgroup of these patients were formed consisting of 28 patients with Alzheimer's disease and senile dementia of Alzheimer type. The patients in this group were rated with a geriatric scale for measuring dementia. In another group of 28 long-stay patients on a geriatric ward the level of dementia and the family situation was studied. As a control group 26 individuals from a county in Sweden was chosen, all of them 85 years of age or older. They were considered the most healthy individuals in the area in this age group. The need of support for these individuals was studied. The results indicate that individuals in high age, although considered healthy, need much support. All the families to patients with dementia disorders need support more or less. Either group therapy or individual psychotherapy can be given. Adequate formal help from the society and psychological support to the primary caregivers probably delay institutionalization.