A study of leisure relationships of family caregivers of people with senile dementia of the Alzheimer's type

Senile Dementia of the Alzheimer's Type (SDAT) causes intellectual impairment in 300,000 Canadians. It is present in 25% of the population 65 years of age and older. This disease not only affects the person, but also family members who look after the person with SDAT. A literature review shows that while there is much research on the stresses of caring for a person with SDAT, there is little on how this disease affects other family members. There is even less literature on how leisure is affected by SDAT. This study explored the leisure relationships of persons with Senile Dementia of the Alzheimer's Type (SDAT), their primary caregiver and another family member. There were two themes that emerged from the interviews--coping and leisure. Throughout these two main themes were sub-themes. Respondents coping with a relative with SDAT did not feel burdened, but were disturbed by the abnormal behaviors exhibited by the person with SDAT. Their lives have been changed both physically and psychologically. They have some social support from other family members but no longer have support from friends. All respondents stated they have accepted the disease and describe attitudes of others towards the disease. Respondents described the changes of leisure experiences individually and with the person with SDAT. The context of the experience is altered so freedom of choice and enjoyment of the activity are affected. All respondents described ways they have modified leisure activities to include the person with SDAT. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)...