Living with Alzheimer's: understanding the family's and patient's perspective.

With aging, the entire person is affected when one component-whether physical, financial, cognitive, or psychosocial-of an older adult's life is impaired. Individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and their families often present with a complicated variety of needs. Current understandings of AD and related problems must include a sensitivity to the emotions and grief experienced by persons living the losses of Alzheimer's. An integrative approach with the perspective of the family and the individual with AD is crucial to the success of the overall care plan.