Exploring the service and support needs of families with early-onset alzheimer's disease

Allison K. Gibson, Keith A. Anderson, Sara Acocks

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

34 Scopus citations

Abstract

Although often cast as a disease of later life, a growing number of people are being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in their 50s and 60s. Early-onset Alzheimer's disease (EOAD) poses special challenges and needs for individuals and their caregivers, such as employment and access to services. In this cross-sectional study, the researchers surveyed 81 (N = 81) family caregivers to individuals with EOAD to identify service and support usage and need. Descriptive analyses revealed that families utilized a range of formal services (eg, adult day) and informal support from family and friends. In terms of challenges and needs, participants indicated that they struggled most with employment, benefits, and financial issues. Although most caregivers felt that they were coping well, they also indicated that their needs were not well understood by service providers and the public. These findings highlight the need to better understand and respond to the specific issues surrounding EOAD.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)596-600
Number of pages5
JournalAmerican Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and other Dementias
Volume29
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 20 2014

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© The Author(s) 2014.

Keywords

  • caregiving
  • early-onset Alzheimer's disease
  • support needs
  • young-onset Alzheimer's disease

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Geriatrics and Gerontology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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