Alzheimer\u2019s disease is a progressive and irreversible brain disorder that is the most common cause of dementia. It impairs memory and cognitive abilities, causing suffering and anxiety for individuals and often overwhelming families and caregivers.<\/p>\n
More than 50 million people worldwide live with dementia, and the number is expected to rise to 152 million by 2050.<\/p>\n
Alzheimer’s and other causes of dementia are degenerative conditions that reduce mental capacity and physical function, cause acute depression, and diminish personality. The emotional, physical, and financial strain on families is immense. More than 50% of caregivers worldwide report that their health has deteriorated due to their responsibilities.<\/p>\n
The number of people with Alzheimer’s doubles every five years, and it is estimated that approximately one-third of people over 85 live with the condition. Care typically falls to family members, and with a globally ageing population driving the increase in dementia diagnoses, the number of caregivers is also rising.<\/p>\n
Many reduce their working hours or forgo work to care for loved ones, and although caregiving can be deeply rewarding, it brings relentless pressure. A study by the World Health Organization and Alzheimer\u2019s Disease International reported: \u201cFamily caregivers of people living with dementia are more likely to develop serious depression, anxiety disorders, and physical health problems, and have a higher mortality rate compared to the general population.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWithout adequate support, dementia care can become a full-time job. Caregivers may be forced to stop working, cut back on their jobs, or take a less demanding role in order to provide care.\u201d<\/p>\n
Legislated dementia services offer varying levels of support across different regions and countries, but the vast majority of care, particularly in the early years, falls on unpaid family members. They do so out of love, but their lives can be entirely transformed.<\/p>\n
Care for Caregivers<\/strong><\/p>\n Being an informal caregiver is a kind of devotion that balances love for a family member with an ever-growing set of challenges. The physical stress of caring for someone is combined with the psychological trauma of witnessing a loved one\u2019s abilities deteriorate.<\/p>\n Fatigue and exhaustion from tasks such as personal care and household chores are exacerbated by isolation and loneliness as the burden increases, and caregivers withdraw from their own lives.<\/p>\n Caregivers may experience deep feelings of guilt, grief, anger, and frustration, and it may be unclear how to gain practical and emotional support.<\/p>\n Around 80% of all long-term care is provided by spouses, relatives, and friends, whose role is crucial in maintaining formal care systems. Euro Carers \u2013 a network of care groups, charities, and academia \u2013 calls for increased recognition and support for caregivers.<\/p>\n The network has ten guiding principles advocating for better accessibility to information, financial and emotional support, training, employment support, and access to affordable formal care for the estimated 40 million caregivers across Europe.<\/p>\n Tips for Alzheimer’s Caregivers<\/strong><\/p>\n Caregivers experience a wide range of emotions, from a joyful, close bond to exhaustion and fatigue. Experts recommend accepting that there will be extremes and focusing on being realistic about what you can achieve, while also being kind to yourself.<\/p>\n Alzheimer\u2019s Society, based in the UK, says: \u201cRemember, you can’t do everything. Everyone caring for someone with dementia will need help at some stage. Focus on what you can do and try to accept that you may need help with some things.\u201d<\/p>\n Recognising and managing these emotions gives caregivers the strength to cope with what can become a long and demanding relationship.<\/p>\n Talk to others and ask for help. It\u2019s important to share your feelings with others, as this will lighten the load and provide a different perspective on issues that might cause conflict or anxiety.<\/p>\n Often, friends don\u2019t know how to help, so it\u2019s also good to tell them what you\u2019re going through and how they can assist. Carer support groups are essential for both receiving help and connecting with others who are going through similar experiences.<\/p>\n \u201cYou may benefit simply from knowing you\u2019re not alone and that other people understand what you\u2019re going through. You might find it easier to discuss problems with people who have personal experience of such an issue,\u201d according to advice from Alzheimer Europe, a group of 39 member associations from 35 countries.<\/p>\n Seek help from your doctor or support groups, and consider counselling and respite care as options.<\/p>\n The WHO has also developed iSupport, an online training programme for knowledge and skills for caregivers of people with dementia, aiming to \u201cprevent or reduce mental and physical health problems related to caregiving and improve the quality of life for those caring for people with dementia.\u201d<\/p>\n Don’t be afraid to ask for help.<\/p>\n It\u2019s easy to neglect your own needs when caring for someone with Alzheimer\u2019s disease. Finding time to shop for and cook healthy meals, as well as exercising, can be overlooked as daily tasks take time and energy.<\/p>\n But eating regularly and healthily, combined with staying active and getting enough sleep, is vital to ensure you can function as a person and caregiver.<\/p>\n A good diet is a key factor in supporting someone living with Alzheimer’s, and caregivers must consider their own diet and pay attention to their bodies to avoid becoming too tired and incapable of providing optimal care.<\/p>\n Understand that tough times and challenges will arise, and that you can\u2019t solve everything. Caregivers often feel guilty for not doing more or feel powerless when it comes to stopping the progression of Alzheimer\u2019s, which becomes even harder when witnessing the elderly person\u2019s health and cognitive abilities decline.<\/p>\n \u201cTry to focus on some of the positive aspects of caring for and supporting the person with dementia,\u201d advises Alzheimer\u2019s Society. \u201cDraw strength from your commitment and love for the person. Think about your relationship with the person and the fact that your help is incredibly meaningful, even if the person may not always recognise or appreciate it.\u201d<\/p>\n Ensuring you have time for your own interests and hobbies will also promote positivity and relaxation.<\/p>\n The daily routine can be demanding, and important financial, medical, caregiving, and legal aspects \u2013 such as having a power of attorney and an updated will \u2013 are often postponed to \u201canother day.\u201d Talking with the person with Alzheimer\u2019s and establishing their wishes before they lose the ability to communicate their decisions will lead to order and peace in the relationship.<\/p>\n It helps the caregiver to provide their support with clarity. Local support groups \u2013 most of which have online resources \u2013 are a good source of advice and guidance. It also helps to be aware of your own circumstances to ensure that no additional pressure jeopardises your ability to care or your wellbeing.<\/p>\n Creating a caregiving schedule also helps with the practical aspects of caring for someone and makes it easier to allocate time for hobbies and exercise or simply for yourself. A timetable also helps create stability for the person with Alzheimer\u2019s disease.<\/p>\n References<\/strong>:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive and irreversible brain disease that is the most common cause of dementia. It impairs memory and cognitive ability, causing suffering and distress for individuals and often overwhelming families and carers.\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\nMore than 50 million people worldwide are living with dementia, with the number forecast to rise to 152 million by 2050.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":5242,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[89],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-488","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-alzheimers"],"yoast_head":"\n