Even mild depression puts a burden on Alzheimer's family caregivers

Caregiving for an Alzheimer's patient is especially burdensome for spousal and family caregivers who at the time of their near and dear one's Alzheimer's diagnosis suffer from depressive symptoms, according to a recent University of Eastern Finland study. The study analysed the psychological stress of family caregivers during a three-year period following the Alzheimer's diagnosis. The study constitutes part of the ALSOVA project involving 236 persons diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and their family caregivers. The study participants were voluntarily recruited from the memory disorder