Caregiver stress, Alzheimer's disease, and elder abuse

Abstract

More than two decades have passed since elder abuse first emerged as a social problem. Although found to be a very complex phenomenon of multiple types occurring in various settings, the original formulation of elder abuse as caregiver stress still resonates strongly with the public, the press and policy makers. In examining elder mistreatment within the context of caregiving and Alzheimer's disease (AD), we not only have the opportunity to learn more about the caregiver stress model, but also to gain greater understanding about prevention and treatment of elder abuse in families with AD members.