Focus Groups of Early-Stage Alzheimer Patients Yields Insights

Patients in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease highly value receiving their diagnosis in a compassionate and informative manner, maintaining their independence for as long as possible, and developing ways to cope with communication issues, social stigma and isolation, according to the findings of a series of focus groups conducted by the Alzheimer Society of Canada.

These patients want to learn about their condition, draw strength from relationships with their family, friends and pets, while continuing to hope for more effective treatments for their disease.

The findings were obtained from focus groups of people who participated in early-stage Alzheimer's disease support groups in communities across Canada and from responses to an online survey.

This was the first survey of its kind using people in the earlier phases of the disease in an effort to identify issues of concern to them.

To address some of the needs and concerns of patients in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, the Alzheimer Society of Canada has published a booklet, Shared Experiences: Suggestions for those with Alzheimer Disease, which contains insights and suggestions from the focus group participants.

The booklet is available at: www.alzheimer.ca.

Other sources: Alzheimer Society of Canada