10 Warning Signs of Caregiver Stress
for those who care for people with Alzheimer's disease

from http://www.alz.org/ResourceCenter/FactSheets/Brochure_ CaregiverStress.pdf
(formatted for the Web 3/8/03 by Dr. Robert Stall)

"I don't have time to take care of myself."

  • One in 10 American adults has a relative with Alzheimer's disease.
  • 70 percent of the 4 million Americans with Alzheimer's disease are cared for at home.
  • Dementia caregivers are more likely to experience depression and anxiety than noncaregivers.
  1. Denial
    ...about the disease and its effect on the person who's been diagnosed.

    "I know Mom is going to get better."
     
  2. Anger
    ...at the person with Alzheimer's or others; that no effective treatment or cures currently exist,
    and that people don't understand what's going on.

    "If he asks me that question one more time I'll scream!"
     
  3. Social withdrawal
    ...from friends and activities that once brought pleasure.

    "I don't care about getting together with the neighbors anymore."
     
  4. Anxiety
    ...about facing another day and what the future holds.

    "What happens when he needs more care than I can provide?"
     
  5. Depression
    ...begins to break your spirit and affects your ability to cope.

    "I don't care anymore."
     
  6. Exhaustion
    ...makes it nearly impossible to complete necessary daily tasks.

    "I'm too tired for this."
     
  7. Sleeplessness
    ...caused by a never-ending list of concerns.

    "What if she wanders out of the house or falls and hurts herself?"
     
  8. Irritability
    ...leads to moodiness and triggers negative responses and reactions.

    "Leave me alone!"
     
  9. Lack of concentration
    makes it difficult to perform familiar tasks.

    "I was so busy, I forgot we had an appointment."
     
  10. Health problems
    begin to take their toll, both mentally and physically.

    "I can't remember the last time I felt good."

    Pass this on to a Caregiver you know!