Caregiver Stress and the Patient With Dementia.

Informal caregivers (often, but not exclusively, family members) are essential to the clinical care of a patient with dementia. Most caregivers are untrained and unpaid. As a result, caregivers often experience stress caused by the caregiving experience; they are the "invisible second patients" in dementia care. Clinicians can help caregivers by supporting them in their role and by referring them to additional resources for support.