Experience in coping with Alzheimers Disease at Home: A study of Chinese family caregivers

Abstract

Alzheimers Disease is a form of progressive dementia associated with diffuse degeneration of the brain, and has become more common in Hong Kong as the population has aged. Individuals with Alzheimers Disease may experience symptoms such as memory loss, poor judgement, and incontinence. They generally lack selfcare ability and require considerable care as their illness progresses. As the traditional caring function of Chinese families has been eroded, individuals with the disease pose new challenges to their family caregivers. Research using an intensive interview method revealed that family caregivers of people with Alzheimers Disease suffer heavy psychosocial, financial, and physical burdens.