When Working With the AD Patient While each patient will have a unique clinical presentation and symptomatology, there are a number of areas for heightened awareness when working with the AD patient. The severity of the disturbance in each area will be a function of the disease course and individual characteristics. In addition, the efficacy of interventions will vary for each individual case. The most important ally in working with the AD patient is the caregiver and the patient's family. Caregivers have been called the hidden victims of AD and while they are an important resource, they also experience elevated levels of stress.
Caregivers have an intimate knowledge of the patients' functional capabilities.
Caregivers can provide insight into effective management of patient behavioral disturbances. Caregivers thrive on information, support, involvement and often a cot to sleep on. Often suffer from markedly elevated levels of stress and a difficult grieving process.