Dementia care: critical interactions among primary care physicians, patients and caregivers.

Enormous progress has been made in understanding and treating Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other dementing illnesses, and developing home and community-based support services to assist patients and their families. This article reviews the range of interactions and barriers physicians, patients who have dementia, and their families face over the course of the disease. In addition, strategies are presented which enhance referral of patients and families to appropriate community support services.