The stigma experienced by the family members of an individual with a stigmatized illness is defined by 3 dimensions: caregiver stigma, lay public stigma, and structural stigma. Research in the area of mental illness suggests that caregivers’ perception of stigma is associated with increased burden. However, the effect of stigma on caregiver burden among those caring for a relative with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has yet to undergo theoretical and empirical testing. The aim of this study was to examine whether family stigma is a predictor of caregiver burden in the case of Alzheimer’s disease. Structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with 185 adult child caregivers (75% female; mean age = 53 years) for persons with Alzheimer’s disease. Caregiver stigma variables improved the prediction of caregiver burden by adding an additional 18% to the explained variance over and above the other covariates. The 2 caregiver stigma variables of shame and decreased involvement with caregiving were found to be the major contributing factors. Our findings show that caregiver stigma increases caregiver burden in the case of Alzheimer’s disease. Using this knowledge, psychosocial interventions should target stigmatic beliefs in order to reduce caregiver burden.

This study's aims were (a) to examine kinematically the handwriting process of persons with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), compared with those with mild Alzheimer's disease and healthy controls; (b) to assess the importance of these measures for the differentiation of the groups; and (c) to assess characteristics of the handwriting process across different functional tasks. Thirty-one persons with MCI, 22 with mild Alzheimer's disease, and 41 healthy controls performed functional tasks while using a computerized system. We found significant differences between the groups in almost all measures, with the MCI group assuming a position between the other groups. Temporal measures were higher and pressure was lower in more cognitively deteriorated groups. Information gathered about kinematic measures, together with cognitive functioning, allowed us to classify 69% to 72% of the participants correctly, although the classification for the MCI group was relatively poor.

Background: Although executive functioning (EF) was found to be associated with cognitive deterioration, the majority of the tests for assessing EF lack ecological validity. Aims: To examine the feasibility and the validity of the virtual action planning supermarket (VAP-S) for the diagnosis of patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Methods: Thirty MCI patients (mean age = 69.5 years) were compared to 30 healthy elderly persons (mean age = 69.2 years) in their performance of the VAP-S. Results: Significant differences were found between the groups in the majority of the measures of the VAP-S. The combination of the MMSE and the trajectory duration provided the best predictive classification for the groups. Conclusion: MCI patients have EF deficits, and the VAP-S is a viable tool to assess EF deficits in patients with MCI and healthy elderly.

Background: The relationship between self-stigma and self-esteem in patients with schizophrenia is receiving increased attention. However, studies to date have been limited to samples of persons under the age of 65.

In this study we explored the subjective experience of family stigma as reported by children of persons with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Our data indicated that family stigma in the area of AD was primarily experienced in three dimensions: caregivers’ stigma, lay public’s stigma, and structural stigma. We found that in all these dimensions family stigma follows a process characterized by three core elements: cognitive attributions, emotional reactions, and behavioral responses. Findings of this study highlight the profound stigma confronting caregivers of persons with AD. What emerges is a poignant picture of adult children living with stigmatic beliefs while providing care for their parents with AD. We suggest that swift steps be taken to deal with these stigmatic beliefs. Mainly, structural discrimination must end if all citizens are to receive truly fair and equitable health care services and benefits.

Background: Increasing efforts are being devoted to the study of early onset dementia (EOD), namely dementia in persons under the age of 65. Until recently, it was assumed that dementia occurs primarily among people aged 65 and over. However, since the number of persons with EOD is increasing, its importance as a clinical and social problem is rising accordingly. The aim of the present paper is to summarize research in this area.Methods: We reviewed the research published to date on EOD, and divided the current body of knowledge into several main sections.Results: The first section focuses on clinical aspects and summarizes findings regarding prevalence, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and management of persons with EOD. The second section focuses on social aspects related to the cost of care for young people with the disease, the challenges faced by individuals and caregivers, and the services available for this population. Finally, conclusions and future directions are suggested.Conclusions: Research on EOD is still in its early stages. There is an urgent need to expand research that will lead to more effective diagnosis and management of EOD as well as to the allocation of funds and the development of appropriate services suitable for the unique needs of young people with dementia.