Carer burden in dementia.

The onus of caring for patients with dementia mainly falls on the family in Sri Lanka. The traditional closelyknit family structure is changing and it is difficult to find the time and resources to look after the elders. After the diagnosis of dementia, carers need information about the illness and availability of services, emotional support, advice on practical and emotional aspects of caring, coping with loss and maintaining interests outside their caring role [2]. Sadly, our health system is lacking in providing such care. Though the 2001 National Institute for Clinical Excellence (UK) guidelines recommended use of rivastigmine in mild to moderate dementia, the revised draft guidance (which is awaiting public consultation) does so only in moderate dementia [3]. We would like to stress the importance of other aspects of management and the role non-pharmacological interventions play in managing such patients.