The groups are usually structured so that both patients and families can be accommodated in an understanding and discreet manner.
The groups are presented by volunteers and are free. These groups provide caregivers with information on the illness and provide emotional support.
Knowledge and support is by and large the best way to cope with this illness.
Written by Dr Frans Hugo, MBChB, M.Med Psychiatry and Dr L. Van Wyk, MBChB, M. Med (Psych) from the Panorama Memory Clinic.
For more information visit: Dementia SA: http://www.dementiasa.org/ or Alzheimer’s South Africa: http://www.alzheimers.org.za