The Psychological Effects of Alzheimer’s Disease on Caregivers
Aging seems simple, although, this process has escalated where it can be a hindrance to the individual and others around them. Alzheimer’s disease, a form of dementia, is where nerve cells that control memory, language, and reasoning are gradually being destroyed in the brain inhibiting daily functions (Draper 5). This ailment transforms the life of the victim which causes them to rely on caregivers for support. Although, the caregivers are generous to provide aid, this task can be overwhelming to them. Alzheimer’s not only effects the patient but the caregivers around them bringing stress, frustration, and depression in their lives.
Caring for an individual with Alzheimer’s is a hard task which brings stress to people who are providing care out of their own generosity. This aid is beneficial to the patient, but can wear out the providers mentally and physically. As caregivers, they may spend more time caring for loved ones then themselves which could lead to a variety of health problems including: vulnerability to illnesses, loss or gain of weight, or chronic pain (“Medletter” 55). This ailment can take away the precious time of caregivers leaving them stressed from the constant care they provide. Although stress is an affliction to caregivers, frustration can also impact them.
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Alzheimer’s disease shouldn’t be treated lightly because a person with Alzheimer’s disease will need to be constantly monitored. Caregivers have the responsibility of caring for loved ones who can no longer care for themselves. (“Medletter” 54) This generosity is appreciated, but can cause these providers to undergo stress, confusion, and depression. Thankfully, there are people willing to care for those impacted by the disease, despite the overwhelming strain of caring for
Informal supports, such as aid for housekeeping and running errands, are crucial to maintaining the lifestyle of individuals with Alzheimer’s in the community; however, the disease’s erosion of physical, cognitive, and communicative abilities often creates tremendous strain for family caregivers. Individuals and family caregivers dealing with Alzheimer’s often experience increasing social isolation as the disease’s progression undermines both mobility and the capacity for meaningful and appropriate engagement with the community (Banerjee et al., 2003). A number of studies have documented the physical and mental health costs borne by unsupported caregivers, and the link between caregiver stress and the institutionalization of their ill family members (Andren & Elmstahl, 2005; Banerjee et al., 2003). Taken together, the stress and isolation of dealing with Alzheimer’s disease undermine the health and quality of life of everyone involved, eventually precipitating institutionalization.
Pah-Lavan, Z. (2006). Alzheimer's disease: the road to oblivion. Journal of Community Nursing, 20(5), 4. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.
Butler, R. (2008). The Carers of People with Dementia. BMJ: British Medical Journal , 336, 1260-1261.
When the caregiver is a family member and not a professional, the emotional toll is often even greater. It is important for caregivers to remember that they need to take care of themselves first and foremost. Every 69 seconds, someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s disease.
tends to increase with age, but there is a big difference between normal forgetfulness and Alzheimer's disease. There are three things to know about Alzheimer's: the facts and figures, the seven stages, and the changes in the brain.
They noted that the psychosocial domain the ‘fixed factors’ are represented by education, life events and personality traits, ‘tractable factors’ would include the person’s social psychology and environment and ‘interventions’ would include the cognitive, behaviour work and multi-sensory stimulation. This model shows that dependency of the individual is seen as an inevitable consequence of living with the progression of Alzheimer’s, therefore by using a biopsychosocial model promotes the individual health and wellbeing of David and that care-givers have the knowledge and skills for holistic, person-centred Alzheimer’s care. In addition to this, NICE () note that Alzheimer’s is associated with complex needs, especially in the later stages leading to high levels of dependency, which can challenge the care-givers.
The theory of caregiver stress is a middle range theory that was developed from the Roy Adaptation Model in understanding relationships among caregivers and the stress they may face from caring for a chronically ill family member (Tsai, 2003). Caregiver stress stems from the fact that family members, usually children or spouses, must care for their loved one as they age and lose their independence. Children usually feel obligated to care for their parents and normally they want to provide care for this person who has taken care of them through-out life. However, something that these caregivers do not count on is all the added stress caring for an ailing adult entails, especially if that ailing person has a chronic condition like dementia or heart failure. The emotional upheaval, financial burden, and time commitment are all factors that lead to the caregiver stress. This paper will examine the difficulties experienced by caregivers in relation to the chronic conditions of dementia, and heart failure, examine why there is an increase in patients receiving healthcare from family members at home, and the theories’ application in nursing practice.
I have a loved one who is currently caring for the older adult in their family with Alzheimer’s and I can hear the strain in caring for the older adult. There are times when I will hear this family member on the phone ask repetitive questions, not remember where he/ she is, as well as what time period they are in. Issues such as these can be so troublesome for the loved ones caring for them.
Leggett, A., Zarit, S., Taylor, A., & Galvin, J. (2010). Stress and burden among caregivers of patients with lewy body dementia. The Gerontologist, 51(1), 76-85.
Caring for Dementia Often, caregivers are faced with the struggles of handling an elder with dementia. Many caregivers are not given the right information and education to properly handle the complications and stress that comes along with the disease. The article “Caregiver’s Guide to Understanding Dementia” By an Unknown Author widely informs the reader of the setbacks and difficulties that come when handling a patient with dementia and how to properly respond in stressful situations. A second article I found titled ‘Caring for Older People with Dementia in Residential Care: Nursing Student Experiences” written by Andrew Robinson and Katrina Cubit, focuses on the implications for the preparation and support of nursing students on clinical
For those living with the debilitating disease of Alzheimer’s, this scenario is all too familiar as each day, a small piece of their identity begins to slip away. This more recent holistic
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, or any other form of dementia, can be challenging. In addition to managing doctor’s appointments and medications, you’ll have to take several safety issues into consideration. The following tips will help keep your loved one out of harm’s way and give you some peace of mind. 1. Prevent wandering.
Growing older is a natural process of life, yet many seniors experience burdensome health conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. It’s a progressive condition degeneration of the brain tissues, eventually interfering with normal brain functions. Today, there is more awareness of the effects aging has on memory, and the challenge of living with cognitive disorders pertaining to thinking, remembering and reasoning functions as part of the aging process.
Introduction I bet many of you have heard a general statement, or idea of Alzheimer’s. I am going to make you understand what it actually is and how is affects people physically and mentally. I know that this is a disease that does not develop because of old age. You would get this disease if someone in your family had it before. It does not automatically mean you will get it but there is a pretty good chance you will.
Although we understand that many individuals with an Alzheimer diagnosis may benefit from medication, it is believed that all individuals benefit from a holistic approach to care. Combining holistic methods into the caregiving practice benefits the client and the care giver. Holistic approaches are effective methods for providing a nurturing care environment. Certain environment triggers can enhance adverse reactions and behaviours for the person who has Alzheimer’s.