Mutual support groups that schedule virtual "meetings" via the Internet. Included are e-mail listserv groups (which distribute posted messages to participants via e-mail), bulletin/message boards (whose postings are restricted to people who register), newsgroups (whose postings are unrestricted and open) and chat groups (which permit real time discussion) that are devoted to providing support for participants around a particular issue. Internet support groups are generally available around the clock; and are convenient for people with limited mobility, serious health issues or transportation problems, who don't have time for face-to-face meetings, or who simply wish to maintain their privacy and remain anonymous. They may be the only option for individuals with rare disorders or other unusual problems who are unlikely to find enough people in their local area to form a support group. Internet support groups may be monitored by professionals, but most are not.

Mutual support groups whose members are family, friends, significant others, non-familial caregivers or attendants who are caring for someone who has a temporary, chronic, life-threatening or terminal illness or disability or who is elderly and increasingly unable to provide for his or her own care. The groups meet in-person, by telephone or via the Internet; and provide emotional support, information and resources to help participants ensure their own well-being while remaining involved in the intense care of a loved one. Also included are care receiver support groups that help people who have a caregiver cope with the fact that they require care. Care receiver support groups are often offered in conjunction with caregiver support groups and are structured to allow care receivers to participate in their own group while their caregiver attends another.

Mutual support groups whose members identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, two-spirit or as part of other communities such as those in the process of coming out or questioning their sexual orientation or gender identity. Groups may also be structured for parents, children, heterosexual partners or other relatives or significant others. The groups provide an opportunity for members to share their issues and concerns with others in a safe, supportive environment. Meeting formats may include in-person, telephone or Internet options.

Individuals who are generally between the ages of 18 and 25 depending on the ages that specific programs use for qualification.

Family members, friends, neighbors and others who assume responsibility for attending to the daily needs of individuals who are temporarily or permanently unable to care for themselves due to general frailty; illnesses, injuries or progressively debilitating conditions such as Alzheimer's disease or mental illness; or other incapacitating problems without compensation. Some, but not all, states have programs that help people pay for the caregiver of their choice, and in certain circumstances that can be a family member. Most of these programs have income and other eligibility requirements that the care recipient must meet, and strict rules often apply as to who can be paid for the caregiving. Benefits may also be available for veterans and their families through the Veteran's Administration.

An age-related, non-reversible brain disorder that develops over a period of years. Initially, people experience memory loss and confusion, which may be mistaken for the kinds of memory changes that are sometimes associated with normal aging. The symptoms gradually lead to behavior and personality changes, a decline in cognitive abilities such as decision-making and language skills and problems recognizing family and friends; and ultimately to a severe loss of mental function. Alzheimer's disease is one of a group of disorders called dementias that are characterized by cognitive and behavioral problems. It is the most common cause of dementia among people age 65 and older.

An acquired reduction in mental capacity that is characterized by impairment of memory, judgment and intellectual functioning which is often accompanied by behavioral disturbances.

The parents, children, spouses, partners, friends or other relatives or significant others of people who have Alzheimer's disease, whose own patterns of personal, social and familial coping have been significantly affected by concern about the individual.

People who identify as part of the gender and sexually expansive community that includes people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, two-spirit, queer, pansexual, intersex, asexual, bigender, genderqueer, third gender, pangender, nonbinary, gender nonconforming, agender or allied, or who are in the process of coming out or questioning their sexual orientation or gender identity.