Dementia Caregivers at Higher Risk of Developing Dementia
The dementia caregiver’s facts are alarming. The risk for developing dementia.. is six times higher, for those providing care for a family member, with dementia. This is higher than the average population. This is due to the negative impact of chronic stress.
It may seem ironic, but studies show that those who care for loved ones with dementia are more likely to develop dementia themselves.
According to one study, dementia caregivers have a six times higher risk of developing the disease compared to non-caregivers. Other research has found that caregivers for dementia patients score lower on memory, attention, and cognitive assessments compared to their peers.
Experts believe that factors like caregiver isolation, depression, and increased stress contribute to cognitive decline and vulnerability to dementia.
The Impact of Caregiver Isolation
Caring for someone with dementia often leads to social isolation, as family and friends may distance themselves due to disruptive behavior changes and communication difficulties.
In addition, caregivers are typically overwhelmed and find it difficult to balance their loved one's care with socializing and maintaining relationships.
Understanding Caregiver Stress
Caring for a person with dementia is extremely demanding. Stress can cause the release of cortisol, which can weaken the immune system, impair learning, raise blood pressure, and increase brain inflammation. Chronic brain inflammation has been linked to cognitive decline.
Moreover, high levels of stress can lead to negative lifestyle changes such as poor diet and reduced physical activity, both of which increase the risk of developing dementia.
The Health Implications for Caregivers
It's crucial for caregivers to prioritize their own well-being while caring for a loved one.
Isolation and stress can contribute to mental health issues like depression, which is also a risk factor for dementia.
Taking part in caregiver support groups has shown significant benefits. Whether in-person or online, these groups provide a valuable opportunity to connect with others who understand the challenges of caregiving.
Take Care of Yourself and Your Loved One
Your health and happiness matter. It's important for caregivers to find time for themselves, stay socially active, and engage in activities they enjoy. Taking breaks and recharging is necessary to protect both physical and mental health.
Remember, you're not alone. Sharing your experiences in caregiver support groups is invaluable. Seek support from those who can relate to your journey.
Study on the Impact of Caregiver Stress and Developing Dementia
A study from the Utah State University reported in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. This study followed 1,200 couples for a period of 12 years. The average couple was married over 48 years. None of the individuals in the study were diagnosed with dementia, when the study started.
This was the first study of its kind. It explores the risk of developing dementia in spouses. Specifically, those providing care for a spouse with this diagnosis.
The Effects of Dementia on the Caregiver
Over the time of the study, 225 couples had one or both of the spouses develop dementia. In 125 cases ,the husband developed dementia. In 70 cases, the wife developed dementia and 30 cases had both spouses diagnosed with a type of dementia.
Past studies have identified providing care for a spouse, with dementia, leads to... increased chance of depression and cognitive decline. These present with problems with memory and retaining new information. It is believed that the multitasking is negatively impacting the caregiver.
The study did identify that men had a higher risk of developing dementia than women. Even after their partners were diagnosed. The researchers of the study concluded...that the caregiver burden of watching a spouse decline... was stressful and caused chronic stress.
Caregivers need support and respite care
How does chronic caregiver stress increase the chances for developing dementia?
It starts by understanding the brain and hormone levels. Providing dementia care at home puts a family caregiver at a high risk for developing depression... and many other medical problems.
When a family member provides long term care at home, the physical and emotional toll causes an increase... in the release of the stress hormone, cortisol. This hormone travels through the bloodstream, as well as into the brain. The hippocampal area of the brain is also affected. This is the area of the brain where memories are stored. The increased cortisol actually kills brain cells in the memory center.
Caregivers are at risk for developing depression
Caregivers are already at high risk for depression. Many have a poor sense of self worth, as they put the needs of their spouse, ahead of their own health and well being. Many family caregivers lose a sense of self... a sense of purpose, except for their caregiving duties.
Dementia Prevention Strategies
The good news is, that dementia prevention is possible. It means learning stress management techniques and protecting your own mental health.
In the brain, is a stress center and relaxation center, the limbic system. Here are 5 simple techniques... to get you started on dealing with chronic caregiver stress. To improve your well being:
Stay active and keep your spouse active, for as long as possible. It is so important for a person diagnosed with dementia to stay active. It is also important to be mentally stimulated.
So get out of the house and do some things that allows you “me time”. This may mean having to place your spouse, with dementia, in adult day care. Or encouraging them to go to the local senior center… or asking a friend to come in and stay when you are out.
Importance of self care for dementia prevention
Do something for yourself EVERYDAY. Take a walk, have lunch with a friend. It is important to find some joy and enjoyment in life, for your own mental and physical well being.
Take time to learn about your approaches to caring can actually slow the cognitive decline of your family member. It can slow or prevent dementia in the caregiver, by practicing a mindful approach to caring.
Practice guided imagery and mediation. Studies have shown that mediation improves the emotional health and well being of caregivers.
Maintain a brain and health healthy diet. Eating a nutrient rich diet, such as the Mediterranean diet promotes good heart and brain health.
Continue to build your cognitive reserve.
This is be done by:
- Being physically active
- Doing something new and different everyday
- Practicing mindful living.
This means living in the moment. Utilizing all of your senses, by noticing that details of your surroundings. Building up your cognitive reserve is like building muscle when you exercise. This will delay or prevent the signs and symptoms of dementia from developing.
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Diane Carbo