Coping with specific stressors in Alzheimer's disease caregiving.

Strategies used to cope with specific caregiving stressors were examined in a sample of 170 Alzheimer's disease (AD) caregivers. The most commonly identified stressors were memory deficits, loss of ability to communicate, and gradual decline of a loved one. Wishfulness was related to more depressed affect, regardless of stressor type. Other strategies related to more depressed affect included taking direct action when coping with patient memory deficits and stoicism in response to decline of a loved one. Strategies related to less depressed affect included relaxation in response to memory deficits, acceptance in dealing with communication impairments and decline of a loved one, and seeking social support in coping with decline of a loved one.