Alzheimer’s Disease is a progressive, degenerative disorder that affects the brain. It is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 50 to 70 percent of all cases. Symptoms usually develop slowly and worsen over time. Initially, people with Alzheimer’s may experience memory loss or problems with thinking and reasoning. As the disease progresses, they may also have difficulty speaking, walking, and completing everyday tasks.
The effects of Alzheimer’s Disease on the family members can be profound. They often become primary caregivers for their loved ones as the illness progresses. This can be both physically and emotionally draining. They may feel isolated and alone as their loved one slips further into dementia. In addition, they can face significant financial challenges as caregiving responsibilities increase. Keep reading to learn more about the effects of Alzheimer’s Disease on the family.
The Financial Impact
Alzheimer’s not only affects the person who has the disease but also their loved ones. The financial impact of Alzheimer’s on families can be significant. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the average annual cost of care for a person with Alzheimer’s is $60,000. Important as the financial investment is to many families, quality of care is an essential aspect to consider when weighing options for a loved one. Caregiverlist advises families seeking premier senior care to always check the credentials of local providers.
The financial burden of Alzheimer’s can be especially heavy for families who are already struggling to make ends meet. In many cases, the person with Alzheimer’s ends up using up most or all of their savings to pay for care. This can leave families with little or no money to cover other expenses, such as housing, food, and utilities.
The Emotional Impact
Alzheimer’s disease can be incredibly emotionally taxing on families. Watching a loved one lose their memory and their independence can be incredibly difficult. As the disease progresses, families often have to take on more and more caregiving responsibilities. This can often leave family members feeling overwhelmed and stressed.
Alzheimer’s disease can also cause a lot of emotional turmoil within families. For example, siblings can often feel resentment towards one another if they are taking on different caregiving roles. Spouses can also experience a lot of tension and conflict as they try to care for their loved one. Families affected by Alzheimer’s disease often find it difficult to cope with their emotions. It is important for families to find support from one another and to seek professional help if they are struggling to cope.
The Physical Impact
When a family member is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease, our lives are turned upside down. Not only does the person with Alzheimer’s suffer, but so does their caregiver. The physical impact of Alzheimer’s on caregivers is immense. They often suffer from fatigue, stress, anxiety, and depression. They may also have trouble sleeping, experience chest pain and heart palpitations, and suffer from digestive problems. Caregivers need to take care of themselves as well as the person with Alzheimer’s. They should make time for themselves, even if it’s just a few minutes each day. They should also get regular exercise and eat a healthy diet. If caregivers don’t take care of themselves, they will quickly become exhausted and may eventually have to give up their caregiving duties. This can be very difficult for both the caregiver and the person with Alzheimer’s.
Overall, the effects of Alzheimer’s disease on the family are devastating. The disease can cause a wide range of problems for family members, including emotional stress, financial stress, and physical stress. In addition, the disease can cause a major change in the family dynamic and can lead to a loss of intimacy among family members.
