November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness month. With nearly 6 million people in the U.S. living with Alzheimer’s, it is no coincidence that November is also National Family Caregivers month.
Alzheimer’s Disease affects approximately 1 in 10 people over the age of 65. However, the disease affects more than those who are afflicted with it. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 16 million Americans provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias. And, those caregivers provide an estimated 18.5 billion hours of care valued at nearly $234 billion.
Being a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer’s can be very stressful. Almost 60 percent of caregivers suffer from high emotional stress and 40 percent suffer from depression. Caregivers need to remember to take care of themselves. Here are some stress relief tips for caregivers.
Caregiver Action Network is a non-profit organization that provides education, peer support and resources to family caregivers across the U.S. free of charge. You can call 855-227-3640 or visit them online for help finding the information you need to navigate complex caregiving challenges.
Network Health plan members can find additional resources here – Caregiver Guide
Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. Symptoms usually develop slowly and steadily worsen over time. Here are 10 signs and symptoms that can serve as an early warning of the disease.
If you notice any of the above symptoms in yourself or someone you know, do not ignore them. Set up an appointment with a personal doctor right away. Early detection gives you a better chance to benefit from treatment and make plans regarding the future.