A health profile of spousal Alzheimer's caregivers. Depression and physical health characteristics.

1. For caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease (AD), each day holds unexpected challenges and losses of personal control. Both physical and emotional health are at risk for caregivers of persons with AD. 2. Depression is a problem for caregivers, whether the spouse with AD remains in the home or has been transferred to a nursing home. 3. It is important for clinicians to advise caregivers that depression is a treatable disorder. When a caregiver complains of sleep problems, a red flag for depression should go up.