Caring for a person with AD presents unique challenges, and considerable research has explored the physical, emotional, and mental stresses on AD caregivers. This area of research is an important component of NIH’s overall AD research effort. Investigators supported by NIA, NIMH, and NINR continue to study ways to understand better the effects of caring for a loved one with AD and to find improved methods of caregiving.
An ultimate goal of AD research is to find ways to reduce stress and burden on caregivers. For example, agitation, psychosis, and disruptive behaviors can be difficult for caregivers to cope with. Investigators are exploring a diverse array of treatment approaches to help both the person with AD and the caregiver by reducing psychiatric and behavioral symptoms through drug therapies and other means.
Other investigators are exploring ways of managing psychiatric and behavioral problems through interventions that do not involve drugs.
Many people who develop AD must eventually move from their homes or an assisted living facility to a nursing home where they can receive more intensive care. A major clinical goal is to maximize the person’s ability to function independently and to continue living in the least restrictive environment for as long as possible. A number of researchers are investigating ways to achieve this goal.
One of the best ways caregivers can help themselves is to become well informed about AD and to learn strategies for effective and flexible caregiving. The Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center is an NIA service that provides the public—including caregivers, people with AD, and health professionals—with AD information and resources.
ADEAR staff members answer telephone, email, and written requests and make referrals to local and national resources. In addition, the ADEAR Center offers information and publications for families, caregivers, and professionals on diagnosis, treatment, patient care, caregiver needs, long-term care, education and training, and research related to AD. The ADEAR website offers free, online publications in English and Spanish, email alerts, online Connections newsletter subscriptions, an AD clinical trials database, the AD Library database, and more.
Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center800-438-4380 (toll-free)www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers
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