title: Personal perspectives of persons with Alzheimer's disease and their carers: a global survey.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Alzheimer's disease (AD) impacts on persons with AD as well their families. This survey aimed to identify information/communication gaps, and quality of life and other issues, from both perspectives.
  
  
  METHODS
  Persons with AD and their families or other carers from Europe, Brazil, and North America completed telephone interviews. Responses were analyzed by country.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Five hundred two persons with AD and 614 carers were included. Issues important to persons with AD were treatment that helps control symptoms; feeling safe and supported at home; and ability to enjoy life. Most felt well-respected by family members. Families/carers considered a wider range of issues important, including detailed information about AD, regimens that are easier to comply with, and medication in a form that is easier to take. This reflects the fact that carers very often manage medications.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This is the first global survey to include persons with AD themselves. Differences between responses from persons with AD and their caregivers highlight the importance of considering both viewpoints.
authors.affiliation: Munich University of Technology and Science, Munich, Germany.
authors.forename: Alexander
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kurz
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schulz
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Reed
authors.forename: Marc
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wortmann
authors.forename: Jesús
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rodrigo
authors.forename: Heike
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: von Lützau Hohlbein
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Grossberg
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D003142:Communication; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011788:Quality of Life