Synthesis of research findings regarding Alzheimer's disease: part III, Caregiver burden and care settings.

While Alzheimer s disease (AD) is devastating for those who acquire it, AD can be equally devastating for the caregiver, whether that person is a professional or a family member. This article contains synthesized knowledge about the effects of AD on caregivers and the attempts that have been made to create special care units, residential living facilities, and group living arrangements to meet the unique needs of AD patients and their caregivers. While the research regarding caregivers of AD patients and the attempts to provide alternatives to institutionalization are not extensive, the findings presented here have proved to be very useful as a basis for clinical practice and future research.