Early counselling and support for patients with mild Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers: A qualitative study on outcome

Objectives: The aim of this qualitative study was to identify and analyse the participants' experienced outcome of an intensive structured psychosocial intervention programme with tailored counselling, education and support groups for home-living patients with mild Alzheimer's disease and their spousal caregivers. Method: Data were collected by semi-structured in-depth interviews conducted separately with each person in 10 couples before the intervention and 1-3 months after completed intervention. For the analysis, a template organizing style of interpretation was used. Results: The analysis revealed that patients found support groups relevant: they found it stimulating to be with peers, it supported their self-esteem, and it supported them in finding new ways of managing everyday life and social relations. During and after the intervention, caregivers were better able to cope with the challenges their partner's disease involved, and they were able to face everyday life and social relations with more serenity and competence. After the intervention, both patients and caregivers sought suitable support groups they could join as a permanent activity and caregivers sought permanent counselling. Conclusion: Early tailored counselling and support may improve patients' and caregivers' opportunities to adapt to the challenges of Alzheimer's disease and to maintain well-being.