ABSTRACT
Among the various problems of the later half of the life cycle, senile dementia is certainly the most devastating for patients and their families. Patients with dementia suffer a gradual loss of memory and other cognitive abilities. As they become cognitively impaired, they are unable to carry out the ordinary activities of everyday life, such as their work or leisure interests, and in time they need assistance with even basic activities such as dressing or bathing. When there is an available relative, the responsibility for supervision and care of dementia patients can often fall upon family members. While many families express a preference for providing assistance themselves, the care of patients with dementia can be extremely stressful. Caregivers often provide around–the–clock supervision, assist with activities of daily living, and must contend with a variety of behavior problems caused by the patient’s cognitive impairment, including agitated or repetitive behaviors. The task of caregiving is further complicated in cases of dementia by the fact that the qualities that have made the relationship between patient and caregiver important in the first place are gradually eroded as the disease progresses. For many family caregivers, the situation gradually becomes overwhelming.
