Abstract
As is true in much of the developed world, the older population of China is rapidly increasing. This presents many unique problems for Chinese society. Of all diseases associated with aging, Alzheimer's disease is the most stressful for the family. This stress on the family will in turn present problems for society. The purpose of this study is to explore the dynamics of caregiving for Alzheimer's patients in China. The investigators have completed a study with primary caregivers of Alzheimer's patients in and around Beijing, Jinan, and Baoding in the fall of 1997. The questionnaire focused on the stress that such a long-term illness causes in the household. Questions were designed to measure which family member provides primary and supplemental care as well as the nature of the care.
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