[Effects of support groups for caregivers of aged patients with dementia at home: a literature review].

: In the early years of the support groups for caregivers of dementia patients, publications mentioned very positive evaluations and effects of the groups. In the second half of the eighties, nine studies with a methodologically better design, showed that despite the positive evaluations by participants, the groups seem to have no or little effects on general dimensions as burden, well-being and health of participants. But this is probably in part caused by methodological problems and it can be assumed that in some categories caregivers, especially those who are severely burdened and depressed, positive effects do occur. Furthermore the groups have effects on more specific changes in the behaviour of the caregiver, his or her problems, coping strategies and social support. Little can be said about long-term effects, because only two studies have studied these effects. There are some indications that short-term effects persist on the long run, though less significantly. The nine studies tell little about conditions which determine whether effects occur or not.