The Benefits of a Support Group for Seniors with Alzheimer’s

2001 AspenãAdapted from the Alzheimer's Care Quarterly 2001:2(4) 42-46 publishing

Support groups for persons with Alzheimer's disease allow participants to meet for confidential discussions in which they are free to share their experiences of living with Alzheimer's. Sharing can help alleviate the stigma, fear, depression, and isolation that often accompany the disease. The support group meetings also allow for dissemination of information regarding advances in research and treatment, resources, and methods of coping. We have found that support groups for persons diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease are an invaluable forum for participants to talk about their experiences openly and honestly.

Bill's Story

Bill, a 73 year old, married Army Corpsman diagnosed with Alzheimer's, was having difficulty coping with depression and fear regarding the progression of the disease. He said recently, "The big thing for me was the fear of not knowing what was going to happen, the fright of mental confusion, the fright of what you hear about it (Alzheimer's), the frightening effect it has on your spouse and your children. Groups like this are survival. I look forward to them and know that I can be here. I'm having less trouble crying and being depressed, which is great. Problems aren't as drastic as they used to be."

Sharing with Peers

Sharing with peers instills hope that there are ways to live a meaningful life with Alzheimer's disease and provides reassurance that they are not alone in facing the challenges of living with the disease. Persons with Alzheimer's disease continue to have the need for acceptance and social interaction. This need can be met by the opportunities of forming new relationships and maintaining emotional connectedness provided by being a member of a support group. The participant's identity is not defined by Alzheimer's disease as they laugh, cry, and rejoice in their common experience.
Although support groups for caregivers have been in existence for some time, support groups for persons diagnosed with dementia have been late in coming. As a result, there is little published information on effectiveness.

Our experience, and that of other support groups confirms that persons with Alzheimer's disease are able to derive many benefits from groups, including reduced feelings of depression and isolation, empowerment through building community, effective and creative problem solving, and increased acceptance of the diagnosis of Alzheimer's.