(LifeWire) - When a loved one has Alzheimer's, it doesn't just affect the health, happiness, and emotional well-being of the person with the disease. Caregivers -- whether a partner, relative, or adult child -- are tremendously impacted by the disease as well. Studies suggest that caregivers are more likely to suffer from depression and high levels of stress than noncaregivers, and often fail to seek help because they feel guilty or believe that their health issues are minimal compared to that of their loved one.
But experts say that a healthy caregiver provides more loving, capable care and is able to tend to their loved ones at home longer than those who don't seek help when they need it. Becoming informed about the impact of Alzheimer's disease on caregivers is the first step toward that healthy outlook.
Grief
The grief that caregivers experience is very real and should not be pushed aside. You have the right to mourn the life you anticipated with your loved one and to feel sad and frustrated about how your life has changed. Some caregivers say what bothers them the most is the loss of the memories that they once shared with a loved one who now has Alzheimer's.
These emotions can arise even before the disease begins to affect your loved one's daily life. Experts refer to this experience as anticipatory grief.
Caregivers can also experience denial, mood swings, feelings of despair, social withdrawal, resentment, and guilt. These emotions are a natural part of the grieving process, which affects each individual differently. However, if your symptoms of grief become so intense that they regularly disrupt your sleep or interfere with your daily tasks, call your physician or a counselor.
Stress
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease is stressful, both emotionally and physically. Not only are caregivers often the ones who feed, bathe and provide emotional support to the person with the disease; most of the household maintenance tasks now fall on their shoulders as well. They may feel socially isolated from their peers, and about 22% of caregivers report feeling "exhausted" at night, according to the Family Caregiver Alliance.
This stress can lead to insomnia, short-term memory loss, increased alcohol consumption and a disregard for personal health. Other symptoms of caregiver stress include depression, fatigue, nervousness, prolonged crying and social withdrawal.
If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, get help. Talk to a physician or counselor about your symptoms.
It's also important to find someone to help with your responsibilities. Many states have programs designed to help caregivers ease their load, including everything from financial assistance for adult day care to counseling services for the caregiver. Programs and eligibility requirements vary greatly among government assistance programs.
Depression
According to a 2006 report by the Family Caregiver Alliance, up to 70% of caregivers have symptoms of depression. Symptoms can include:
- Prolonged saddened mood
- Feelings of excessive guilt
- Suicidal or homicidal thoughts
- Insomnia or other sleeping problems
- Lack of interest in activities you used to enjoy
- Sudden weight gain or loss
Even those who are no longer caring for their loved ones full-time can experience these symptoms. Guilt associated with moving your loved one to a long-term care facility and the stress of keeping up with care from a distance can be just as debilitating. Seeking treatment for depression is a crucial step toward recovery.
Get Help Online
An excellent way to find online support while coping with grief, stress, and depression is to visit our forum, where you'll find a caring online community of caregivers, individuals with Alzheimer's, and other concerned people. Other online resources include the Well Spouse Association, Children of Aging Parents, and the National Family Caregivers Association.
Sources:
"Caregiver Health." FCA: Caregiving. 2007. Family Caregiver Association. 30 June 2008. <http://www.caregiver.org/caregiver/jsp/content_node.jsp?nodeid=1822#20C>.
"Caregiver Stress." Alzheimer's Care: Coping. 16 Oct. 2007. Alzheimer's Association. 30 June 2008. <http://www.alz.org/living_with_alzheimers_caregiver_stress_lwa.asp>.
"Caregiver Stress." Family Doctor.org. Dec. 2006. American Academy of Family Physicians. 30 June 2008. <familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/mentalhealth/stress/645.printerview.html>.
"Depression and Caregivers." Alzheimer's Care: Coping. 14 Sep 2006. Alzheimer's Association. 30 June 2008. <http://www.alz.org/living_with_alzheimers_depression_and_caregivers.asp>.
Zarit, S. "Assessment of Family Caregivers: A Research Perspective." Caregiver Assessment: Voices and Views from the Field: Report from a National Consensus Development Conference 2. 2006: 12-37. 30 June 2008 .<www.caregiver.org/caregiver/jsp/content/pdfs/v2_consensus.pdf>.