I love November – my birthday and my favorite holiday of the year – Thanksgiving are in November! The clocks turned back last night in the US, the air is getting crisp and it is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. During this month of thanks, I for one would like to extend tremendous thanks for the Alzheimer’s Association and all they do.
Alzheimer’s is personal for so many and and for their caregivers. The Alzheimer’s Association provides information, statistics and caregiver support resources. Alzheimer’s Association Today, we’ll look at the facts and figures, a resource that was my “go to”, Caregiver impact and Caregiver support information from the Alzheimer’s Association.
Here are the Facts and Figures about this disease:
- Alzheimer’s disease is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States
- 16.1 Million Americans provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias
- These caregivers provided an estimated 18.4 Billion hours of care, valued at USD $232 Billion
- Between 2000 and 2015 deaths from heart disease have decreased 11% while deaths from Alzheimer’s disease have increased 123%
- 1 in 3 seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia
- Early and accurate diagnosis could save up to USD 7.9 Trillion in medical and care costs
- In 2018 Alzheimer’s and other dementias will cost the nation USD 277 Billion. By 2050, these costs could rise to USD $1.1 Trillion
- 5.7 Million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s and by 2050, this is projected to rise to nearly 14 Million
- Every 65 seconds someone in the US develops the disease
There are various forms of dementia, one type is called Alzheimer’s. The National Institute on Aging is another resource providing information to families and caregivers. NIH defines types of dementia
An invaluable resource for me was the book, The 36 Hour Day by Nancy Mace from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Peter Rabins from Erickson School of Aging Management Services / University of Maryland, Baltimore County.
Through five editions, The 36-Hour Day has been an essential resource for families who love and care for people with Alzheimer disease. Whether a person has Alzheimer disease or another form of dementia, he or she will face a host of problems. The 36-Hour Day will help family members and caregivers address these challenges and simultaneously cope with their own emotions and needs.
Alzheimer’s caregivers frequently report experiencing high levels of stress. It can be overwhelming to take care of a loved one with Alzheimer’s or other dementia, but too much stress can be harmful to both of you.
10 symptoms of caregiver stress
- Denial about the disease and its effect on the person who has been diagnosed. I know Mom is going to get better
- Anger at the person with Alzheimer’s or frustration that he or she can’t do the things they used to be able to do.
He knows how to get dressed — he’s just being stubborn - Social withdrawal from friends and activities that used to make you feel good.
I don’t care about visiting with the neighbors anymore - Anxiety about the future and facing another day
What happens when he needs more care than I can provide? - Depression that breaks your spirit and affects your ability to cope.
I just don’t care anymore - Exhaustion that makes it nearly impossible to complete necessary daily tasks. I’m too tired for this
- Sleeplessness caused by a never-ending list of concerns
What if she wanders out of the house or falls and hurts herself? - Irritability that leads to moodiness and triggers negative responses and actions. Leave me alone!
- Lack of concentration that makes it difficult to perform familiar tasks
I was so busy, I forgot my appointment - Health problems that begin to take a mental and physical toll.
I can’t remember the last time I felt good
If you, your family or friends are facing Alzheimer’s or other dementia’s know there are resources throughout the US to provide you with information and support.
You are not alone. Support organizations for Caregivers can be found here: Alz.org Caregiver Support In addition, Financial and Legal Planning for Caregivers is vital. Here is additional information from the Alzheimer’s Association: Alz.org Financial and Legal Planning for Caregivers
Sharing experiences I’ve had and what I’ve learned from them to assist people and businesses is what I love to do.
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