A multi-center three-year study will focus on the well-being of Alzheimer's caregivers while helping them improve their skills in dealing with Alzheimer's patients.

"It's important to devote research to the so-called forgotten patient, the Alzheimer's caregiver," said Sara Czaja the Universiity of Miami Center on Adult Development and Aging. "Caring for a family member with Alzheimer's disease takes a toll on the caregiver. Many caregivers suffer from stress and emotional strain."

One goal of the Reach II study (Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer Caregiver's Health) is patient diversity, with each site recruiting caregivers from the African-American and Hispanic as well as white non-Hispanic communities.

Patients and caregivers will be assigned to one of two groups in the randomized trial, and will receive the same information, but in different ways and at different times.

One group will receive information during home visits, where a member of the research team will review skills and educational materials with the participants. They also will receive a touch-tone screen phone system, allowing them access to the information from the research team.

The second group will receive the same information via phone calls and in a caregiver workshop.

Participating sites include Miami, Memphis, Birmingham, Palo Alto and Philadelphia. Further information is available by calling 305.355.9200.

Other Sources: University of Miami School of Medicine