EP147: Alzheimer’s Disease - 10 Warning Signs of Caregiver Stress

<p dir="ltr">“Caring for a person living with Alzheimer’s disease can be very rewarding AND very stressful.”</p> <p dir="ltr">—Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN<strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">11 million Americans are caring for a family member or friend living with Alzheimer’s disease and nearly 60% report feeling more emotional or physical stress from being a caregiver. </p> <p dir="ltr">This stress can take its toll and increase your risk for health problems from a weaker immune system, high blood pressure or heart disease, poor sleep, and impact your own memory and thinking.</p> <p><strong> </strong>Caring for a person living with Alzheimer’s disease can be very rewarding AND very stressful. On the positive side, you may feel a sense of accomplishment and a sense of purpose. </p> <p dir="ltr">But on the negative side, you may feel tired, discouraged, angry, sad, guilty, ambivalent, and even grief. These feelings may be overwhelming and almost constant. This is known as “caregiver stress”.</p> <p><strong> </strong>Do you know the warning signs of caregiver stress and burnout? </p> <p dir="ltr">Stay tuned for today’s episode to learn the 10 Warning Signs of Caregiver Stress.</p> <p dir="ltr">Key points covered in this episode:</p> <p dir="ltr">✔️ The 3 kinds of caregiver stress: role strain, personal strain, and worrying about whether or not you are doing the right things. <strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">One of the most difficult things about being a caregiver is that you may feel isolated or cut off from the outside world. </p> <p><strong> </strong>✔️ Warning signs that you may need to seek more outside support. </p> <p dir="ltr">Here are 10 questions to ask yourself:</p> <p><strong> </strong>1. Do you feel so sad and depressed, so much so that you can’t get through your day?</p> <p dir="ltr">2. Do you lie awake at night worrying?</p> <p dir="ltr">3. Are you losing weight?</p> <p dir="ltr">4. Do you feel isolated and alone with your problem?</p> <p dir="ltr">5. Are you drinking too much?</p> <