According to the Fisher Center Foundation for Alzheimer's Research, one in 10 Americans older than the age of 65, and nearly one in two Americans older than 85, have Alzheimer's disease. A progressive disease caused by damage to the brain cells, Alzheimer's disease affects every aspect of life for the patient and the family. For loved ones, the changes to the patient's personality and independence can be devastating.
Emotional Adjustment
Family members may feel angry, frustrated and depressed when their loved one's personality and behavior changes, according to the Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation. People with dementia tend to become agitated when frustrated, and may feel sad, depressed, confused or restless. They tend to wander, pace and lash out at others. Communicating becomes challenging as they lose focus and are unable to recall events of the past that are meaningful to family members. Loved ones may feel grief that their parent or spouse seems to have been replaced with a stranger.
Caregiver Stress
According to the AARP, providing care for a person with dementia is physically and emotionally demanding. Often, the primary caregiver is a spouse or other family member. Feelings of anger and guilt, frustration and discouragement, worry and grief, and social isolation are common. Signs of caregiver stress include feeling tired, overwhelmed and irritable most of the time, gaining or losing weight, losing interest in activities that were once enjoyed, or sleeping too much or too little. Caregivers are prone to developing anxiety or depression and are also at risk for stress-related physical conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.
Financial Problems
Alzheimer's disease is unpredictable, and a person who is mildly confused may unexpectedly make unfortunate decisions while still in control of the checkbook. According to the Mayo Clinic, giving money to strangers, ordering expensive items and hiding money around the house are common behaviors. As soon as the person's judgment becomes faulty, the spouse or another trusted person should take over the credit cards and checkbook to avoid financial disaster.
Legal Problems
Eventually, the Alzheimer's patient will lose the ability to manage her own affairs. If she has not made arrangements while still competent to have someone make legal, financial and medical decisions for her through a durable power of attorney, the family may need to access the court system to have a guardian appointed.
Family Conflict
Sharing the responsibility for meeting the Alzheimer's patient's many needs requires families to work together, but some are unable to do so without assistance. According to the Mayo Clinic, conflicts arise when some family members live far away or have time constraints while others do not, when there are differences of opinion about medical treatment or the care setting (home or residential care), and when feelings are not shared honestly and openly. Support groups and counseling are available through a variety of sources for these situations.
References
- AARP: A Guide to Alzheimer's Disease
- Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation: Facts About Alzheimer's Disease
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Dementia: Info and Advice for Caregivers
- Family Caregiver Alliance: Dementia, Caregiving and Controlling Frustration
- Mayo Clinic: Alzheimer's: Dealing with Family Conflict
