CAREGIVING AND ALZHEIMERS-DISEASE

Although they have much in common with other caregivers of the aged, A lzheimer's caregivers represent a distinct subset of the population an d are most often treated as a separate group within the literature. Th e literature on family members who care for persons with Alzheimer's d isease is reviewed to provide a framework for classroom presentation. A brief outline of the biological, clinical, and demographic aspects o f the disease is followed by a discussion of current research evidence on caregiving for Alzheimer's. Finally, issues for research and publi c policy are raised to demonstrate that Alzheimer's caregiving is an i mportant educational topic for students, whether at the personal, prof essional, or societal level.