Alzheimer’s Disease is a slow, irreversible deterioration of the brain tissue. It can cause personality changes, emotional instability, and can impair cognitive functions such as language skills or memory. Alzheimer’s is a major cause of dementia.

Caring for a loved one who has Alzheimer’s Disease can cause a person to experience moments of stress. All too often, a caregiver either does not want to admit that stress for fear of being seen as uncaring or selfish, may not even realize that stress is what they are experiencing or may not know where to turn for help.

Too much stress can be damaging to both the caregiver and the person who is being cared for. Learning to recognize signs of stress and where to turn for help can prevent serious health problems and depression in the caregiver. Signs of stress can include denial, anger, social withdrawal, anxiety, depression, exhaustion, sleeplessness, irritability, lack of concentration, or health problems.

There are things a caregiver can do in order to prevent “burnout” or stress:

• Identify the stressors in your life and in the care giving role.

• Learn and practice stress management techniques

• Set realistic goals for yourself and your family.

• Be good to yourself.

• Screen advice from family and friends. Most people do have good intentions.

• Realize you cannot erase the past history of relationships. Work on resolution and letting go.

• Stay in touch with family, friends, church, social and community activities.

• Place events in context. Don’t overreact. Look for the positive aspects of a situation.

• Solicit and accept help/respite from other. This is essential to maintaining good health.

• Take one day at a time.

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease or another chronic illness can be difficult. Realizing what resources are available to you and who to turn to for help, can be the first step in taking care of you. The Alzheimer’s Association Outreach Office at Mountain View Hospital can be your first resource for information on caregiver stress, sitters, respite care, assisted living facilities, or tips for caring for the person. If you, or someone you know, need information on these or any other topics, or needs someone to listen, please call our office at 800-662-2490.