Alzheimer’s is one of the most vicious of all ailments as it not only affects the patient but affects all elements of the lives of their loved ones. Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s is demanding and takes a toll on the physical and mental health of the caregivers.
According to a study1 published in the journal Clinical Gerontologist, people who care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s are most susceptible to experiencing depressive symptoms that get worse with time. Women caring for a partner with Alzheimer’s experienced worsening depression more frequently than other groups.
Yet, the study indicated that there is a substantial chance of getting depressive symptoms for anyone who provides care for a family member who has Alzheimer’s. Mild signs of depression are present in more than half of Alzheimer’s caregivers even before a formal diagnosis of dementia.
The results highlight the toll that caring for a spouse, parent, or other close relatives with Alzheimer’s can have on family members’ mental health. It is a condition that affects the entire family for extended periods, and caregivers must know that the ongoing stress of caregiving puts them at a higher risk of depression and other health problems during the disease.
What did the researchers find?
Throughout five years, researchers examined 226 men and women with Alzheimer’s and family members who cared for them. Family caregivers underwent mental health at the outset of the trial and subsequently at regular intervals, with researchers seeking signs of depression and general coping capabilities. Researchers questioned caregivers about their capacity for everyday tasks, their social functioning, and any recent sources of stress or concern in their life.
At the beginning of the trial, the researchers discovered that roughly 60% of caregivers experienced mild depressive symptoms. Over the subsequent five years of care, symptoms were worse in nearly a third of caregivers. Women were more likely than men to experience depression, as were people who cared for a loved one who displayed behavioral issues such as aggression, wandering, hallucinations, anxiety, or poor sleep. Three years after receiving an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, depressive symptoms became more severe. Less than 10% of the carers in the study reported decreased depressive symptoms.
Caregivers should seek help!
When someone has even minor depressive symptoms, the strain of caring for someone with dementia can be very intense, endangering the well-being of both patients and caregivers. These signs can include irritability, restlessness, anger, feelings of helplessness, guilt, or worthlessness, pulling away from social interactions, losing interest in previously enjoyed activities, difficulty thinking or concentrating, lack of motivation and energy, body aches and pains, poor sleep, changes in weight or eating habits, or abusing alcohol or drugs. The strain of providing care can also make people more susceptible to heart problems, falls that could lead to broken bones, and other physical illnesses.
According to experts, it’s critical for caregivers to ask for assistance as soon as they need it and to acknowledge how their own health influences the care that their partners receive. Anybody caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s may find that counseling and support programs are highly beneficial for reducing stress. Such assistance may also improve caregivers’ physical health and prevent Alzheimer’s patients from entering nursing homes, which is an expensive and emotionally taxing choice.
Alzheimer’s Research Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping caregivers of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. We provide the latest information and news about the illness and helpful tips to help caregivers cope with their daily caregiving challenges. We realize the most important thing that a caregiver needs is financial assistance. Therefore, we provide grants to caregivers to ease their financial burden. Caregivers can apply for grants here: Alzheimer’s Grant Application. You can also help caregivers in their endeavor by donating as much as possible: https://www.alzra.org/donate-now/.
