Caring for a patient with Alzheimers Disease or another dementia can be a frustrating and stressful experience for family caregivers. A 2003 study looked at a way to help dementia caregivers. The researchers evaluated the effectiveness of a "psychosocial intervention model" that was designed to help family caregivers cope and feel more positive about their caregiving.  Even though the study is a few years old, its results are relevant today.

The study found that carefully designed psychosocial interventions can make life better for those caring for loved ones with dementia. The carefgivers were trained in problem solving, behavior management techniques, improving coping skills, improving their own diet and exercise, and making time for pleasant events and leisure activities. They reported that they experienced reduced stress, felt more positive about their caregiving roles, and experienced increased satisfaction with leisure activities.

The researchers worked to create culturally appropriate training for the white and African American caregivers in the study, which was conducted in Forida and Alabama. The researchers stated that race and culture are known to affect the experience of caregiving, but no previous studies evaluated the effectiveness of a caregiver intervention across racial, ethnic and cultural lines.