Coping with the Emotional Toll of Caring for Someone with Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive and irreversible brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It is the most common cause of dementia in older adults.

Caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease may experience a range of emotions, including sadness, anger, frustration, guilt, and anxiety. They may also feel overwhelmed, stressed, and exhausted.

There are several strategies that caregivers can use to cope with the emotional toll of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s:

• Seek support from family, friends, or a support group
• Take care of your own physical and emotional health
• Find ways to reduce stress, such as exercise or meditation
• Take breaks from caregiving to recharge and do things you enjoy
• Learn as much as you can about Alzheimer’s disease to better understand what your loved one is going through

There are several resources available to help caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease:

• The Alzheimer’s Association provides information, support, and resources for people with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers
• The National Institute on Aging offers information on Alzheimer’s disease and caregiving
• The Family Caregiver Alliance provides support and resources for caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease and other chronic illnesses
• The Eldercare Locator can help you find local resources and services for older adults and their caregivers

If caregivers feel overwhelmed or unable to cope with the emotional toll of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease, they should seek professional help. This may include talking to a therapist or counselor, or seeking medication to help manage symptoms of depression or anxiety.