Alzheimer's disease support groups: an analysis of their structure, format and perceived benefits.

The focus of this article is the identification and assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of Alzheimer's disease support groups' predominant model of service delivery. Based on information from 47 support group leaders and 301 members, Alzheimer's disease support groups' structure, format, member composition and perceived benefits are examined. The data suggest that support groups have primarily focused on education and peer support and less attention has been directed towards caregivers' own emotional needs and the effects of the disease on the whole family system. Findings also revealed that families with relatives in the early disease stages are underrepresented in support groups. Practice implications of the findings are discussed.