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The social consequences for families with Alzheimer's disease patients: potential impact of new drug treatment
Author(s) -
Wimo Anders,
Winblad Bengt,
Grafstrom Margareta
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
international journal of geriatric psychiatry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.28
H-Index - 129
eISSN - 1099-1166
pISSN - 0885-6230
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1099-1166(199905)14:5<338::aid-gps909>3.0.co;2-1
Subject(s) - disease , context (archaeology) , dementia , medicine , public health , rivastigmine , health care , drug , social environment , gerontology , psychiatry , psychology , political science , donepezil , nursing , paleontology , pathology , law , biology
The social consequences of Alzheimer's disease are highlighted in this review with regard to impact on family situation, a changing treatment context caused by demographic changes, reorganization of long‐term care, a financial crisis in the public health systems and the introduction of antidementia drugs. In the early phase of dementia there may be significant consequences for the patients and the family members which are largely unrecognized by the healthcare system. As the disease progresses, the impact on caregivers in terms of physical and emotional burden, financial and employment status may be enormous. The current care provision in Sweden, the UK and The Netherlands is described. Innovative care alternatives and strategies may improve the situation. The introduction of antidementia drugs such as the acetylcholine esterase inhibitors may also contribute to improved circumstances for patients and caregivers. There is still a great need for further research in this field. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.