Alzheimer's Disease.

Abstract

Recent research suggests that Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related dementias (ADRD) are reaching epidemic proportions worldwide and that those who care for family members are at high risk of experiencing stress, depression, and anxiety. The numbers of caregivers who seek the services of counsellors will surely continue to grow along with the increasing number of ADRD sufferers. This article investigates issues experienced by family caregivers, and explores a variety of approaches available to counsellors to assist them. The author, a counsellor, employs an autoethnographic approach to this research, drawing on her own caregiving experiences. Findings indicate that caregiving for an ADRD family member has a significant effect on the caregiver's wellbeing. Despite the paucity of research into the effectiveness of counselling interventions, a variety of approaches appear to have the potential to assist ADRD caregivers. Appendix 1 offers a selection of psychoeducational materials and useful resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of New Zealand Journal of Counselling is the property of New Zealand Association of Counsellors and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)