November is National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month and National Family Caregivers Month

According to the Alzheimer’s Association 2010 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report, there are more than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s and as many as 10 million family caregivers. 

Most of us know someone who has been impacted by Alzheimer's, either directly caring for a family member or by supporting a friend that is caring for family member. I, myself, saw the emotional and physical toll that it took on my mom while caring for my grandmother who was stricken with Alzheimer's disease .  My grandmother passed away peacefully this past summer and my mom does not regret having put her life on hold for years to tend for my grandmother.  She is, however, now rediscovering herself (in her own words) after undergoing many years of caregiver stress and although we all miss my grandmother very much, it is nice to have my mom back.  Both my grandmother's happy disposition until the end and my mother's selfless love, patience, and determination are an inspiration to me.  

The strongest women I have ever met. My mom and grandmother. 

The statistics are scary. According to the 2010 Alzheimer's Disease and Facts Figures:

• One in eight people aged 65 and older (13 percent) have Alzheimer’s disease. 
• Every 70 seconds, someone in America develops Alzheimer’s. By mid-century, someone will develop the disease every 33 seconds.
• In 2006, Alzheimer's disease was the 7th leading cause of death across all ages in the in the United States. It was the 5th leading cause of death for those aged 65 and older.  
• Almost 11 million Americans provide unpaid care for a person with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia. These unpaid caregivers are primarily family members but also include friends. In 2009, they provided 12.5 billion hours of unpaid care, a contribution to the nation valued at almost $144 billion.

Caregiver Stress

Alzheimer caregivers report that they frequently e experience high levels of stress. Too much stress can be damaging to both a caregiver and the person with Alzheimer’s. If you experience some of these signs of stress on a regular basis, consult your doctor. Ignoring them can cause your physical and mental health to decline. Symptoms of caregiver stress Denial Anger Social withdrawal Anxiety Depression Exhaustion Sleeplessness Irritability Lack of concentration Health problems If you are a caregiver: Know what resources are available. Adult day care, in-home assistance, visiting nurses and Meals-on-Wheels are just some of the services that can help you. Become an educated caregiver. As the disease progresses, new caregiving skills are necessary. Find information on alz.org or contact your local Alzheimer's Association. Get help. You are not failing as a caregiver by asking others for assistance. Seek the support of family, friends and community resources. Alzheimer's Association support group meetings are a good source of comfort and reassurance. Take care of yourself. Watch your diet, exercise and get plenty of rest. Make time for shopping, lunch with friends or even a golf outing. Take advantage of community services such as adult day care or in-home companion services to care for your loved one while you take a break. Manage your stress level. Stress can cause physical problems and changes in behavior. If you experience symptoms of caregiver stress, use relaxation techniques that work for you, and consult your doctor. Accept changes as they occur. People with Alzheimer's change and so do their needs. They often require care beyond what you can provide on your own. Look into care services such as in-home caregiver services and residential care. Do legal and financial planning. Consult an attorney to discuss legal, financial and care issues. If possible and appropriate, involve the person with Alzheimer's and other family members. Be realistic. Many of the behaviors that occur are beyond your control and the control of the person with Alzheimer's. Grieve your losses, but also focus on the positive moments. Give yourself credit, not guilt. You are doing the best you can. Don't feel guilty because you can't do more. Your loved one needs you, and you are there – that should make you feel proud.

 For more information, please visit the following sites:

http://www.alz.org/index.asp

http://www.wellspouse.org/

http://www.nfcacares.org/

http://www.alz.org/apps/findus.asp

http://www.helpguide.org/elder/alzheimers_disease_dementia_support_caregiver.htm