Quality of life: the family and Alzheimer's disease.

AD possesses unique features that make caregiving particularly burdensome. The quality of life of the caregiver is inevitably affected, but there are many intervening variables such as the strength of the existing relationship and the presence of a social support system that can mediate the outcome. Health professionals can play a vital role by providing a continuous source of advice, support, and help to assist the caregiver in the difficult task of tending a loved one during this long and stressful illness.