We studied the prevalence of different types of dementia in an elderly population in Stockholm, Sweden, in relation to age, sex, and education. The study confirmed Alzheimer's disease (AD) as the most frequent type of dementia and the positive association of dementias with age, even in the most advanced ages. In contrast to previously reported data, we found the same proportion of AD and vascular dementia in the different age strata, and no sex differences regarding the prevalence of different dementia types. Finally, less educated people had a higher prevalence of all dementias, due essentially to a higher prevalence of alcoholic dementia and unspecified type of dementia. The prevalence of AD was similar across different levels of education.

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Fifty-two family caregivers for demented elderly people were investigated for burden and burnout experiences. A structured burden questionnaire and the Burnout Measure were used. Burnout is described in relation to the caregiver's gender, age, family relationship and the demented person's living place. Older wives and daughters were the most likely to report burnout in their lives. Some siblings and daughters-in-law also risked developing burnout. Regression analysis showed that limitation in social life, poor health and a lack of positive outlook on caring were the most important independent variables explaining variance in burnout among caregivers. There was no difference in burnout experiences between caregivers having their demented elderly person living at home and those having them in an institution.

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