OBJECTIVES: While the effects of dementia on patients are well documented, awareness of its negative impact on the life of caregivers needs to be increased. The objective of this survey was to provide data from physicians and caregivers on the impact of dementia on both patients and carers. METHODS: Adelphi’s Dementia Disease Specific Programme is an independent real world observational  survey of cognitively impaired patients aged over 50 managed by primary or secondary care physicians in five European countries during 2008. Information from non-professional caregivers was collected using a prospective questionnaire including details of employment status, patient accommodation, patient’s current symptoms, patient compliance with treatment and the carer’s quality of life measured by a validated instrument (Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview). RESULTS: The caregiver questionnaires (n=847) showed that approximately one in ten  had had to change their employment status in order to look after the patient, usually a reduction in the number of hours worked.  Half of the caregivers who had reduced their work hours reported a subsequent loss in  income (ranging from €575 per month in France to €170 in the UK). 113 caregivers (13%) indicated that they receive medication to treat a condition brought on or exacerbated by their caregiver role, most frequently anxiety, depression and/or insomnia.  Caregivers also reported significant impact on their social lives with 51% recording reduction in time available for themselves, 48% indicating a decrease in social activities and a quarter mentioning reduced fitness. CONCLUSIONS: Caregiving is associated with reduced employment and a negative financial impact.  It may result in less free time, social activity, poorer health due to reduced fitness and increased medication.  The emotional burden of seeing a loved-one suffer is high; however, the financial and physical health implications of being a caregiver should not be underestimated.