[Support groups for patients in the early stage of dementia--usefulness and experiences].

In recent years, support groups focusing on education, sharing of experiences, coping strategy development, and group process have been recognized as a valuable psychosocial intervention for people in the early stage of dementia. Outcome research has shown that support groups have positive effects on participants' understanding of the disease and its consequences, their coping behavior and general wellbeing. Leading support groups for this population requires an extensive knowledge about the disease process and counseling experience. Clinicians are asked to support all efforts to establish more support groups because they are complementary to already existing treatments.