Changes in the structure of an Alzheimer family group

: The family of Alzheimer patients is in general deeply engaged in caring for the patient and is faced by enormous physical and psychological stress. Today in Germany there are more than 100 groups of family members caring for Alzheimer patients. These groups are either headed by an expert, layman, or supported by experts. The Tubingen Alzheimer group has gone through all three stages since its foundation in 1991. Experience gathered with these different forms of organisation are reported.