Articles

Health Risks for Alzheimer’s Caregivers

06/01/2016

People with Alzheimer’s disease are prone to personality changes beyond their control that can be incredibly frustrating and difficult for those caring for them. This can be a major source of stress for carers in everyday life.

Loved ones or clients who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s may become physically and/or verbally abusive and might become dangerous to be around. Despite the carer knowing that the abuse meted out is a result of the deterioration of the sufferer’s mental faculties, it nevertheless leaves many of those trying to help with untold misery and anguish.

It might be the case that the sufferer is like a broken record, repeating themselves over and over again in a seemingly never ending loop. They might have to constantly search for mislaid items or have to explain in the simplest terms possible how to do the easiest and mundane of tasks only to be met with confusion. All of these situations can lead the carer to breaking point.

The Alzheimer’s sufferer might also have an additional ailment or disease such as Parkinson’s or diabetes which requires more care such as medicinal administration. Lifting the loved one or client can also be extremely difficult as the sufferer is often confused and unable or unwilling to cooperate.

Some caregivers discover that bearing the main responsibility of managing all of the monthly bills and home expenses, especially if that had once been their loved one's or client’s role, is the major cause of stress.

The main thing to consider for any caregiver is how the stress, depression and anxiety can affect their own health.

According to the Alzheimer's Association, "Alzheimer's takes a devastating toll on caregivers. Nearly 60 percent of Alzheimer's and dementia caregivers rate the emotional stress of caregiving as high or very high; about 40 percent suffer from depression."

The health risks associated with stress are well documented, with it increasing the risks of heart attacks and strokes and high blood pressure amongst other things.

Allen Vann, a spouse of an Alzheimer’s sufferer writes in the Huffington Post that, “Caregivers feeling the effects of stress, anxiety, or depression ... not eating well, not sleeping well, experiencing muscle pains or tightness, suffering from headaches, back aches, or feeling mentally, physically or emotionally drained each day ... should always make time to see their doctor. A doctor may be able to suggest some diet, exercise, or treatment that caregivers can do during respite time or when their loved ones are asleep.”

Above all, the message is that when constantly caring for others, carers might neglect their own health, and that this situation needs to be avoided. 

Written By:

Daniel James
www.danieljamesbio.com
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