"The system is beginning to shut down": utilizing caregivers' metaphors for dementia, persons with dementia, and caregiving.

Family caregivers reflect understandings of dementia, persons with dementia, and their changing role through metaphors. Analyzing transcripts from a support group for spouses of persons with dementia, 14 core metaphors for dementia, caregiving/caregiver, and persons with dementia were identified. By using these metaphors, nurses can aid familial caregiver understanding and well-being.