Updated June 09, 2015.

Question: Are Alzheimer's Caregivers Different from Other Kinds of Caregivers?

Answer:

Regardless of their situation, caregivers have many things in common, but Alzheimer's caregivers seem to experience a unique kind of multidimensional stress. At the 2008 Rocky Mountain Geriatrics Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah, Richard Schulz, Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine discussed how Alzheimer's disease and other kinds of dementia affect caregivers differently than do other kinds of chronic conditions:

• Caregivers of those with Alzheimer's and other dementias report having significantly less time to spend with other family members compared to other kinds of caregivers.
• Alzheimer's and dementia caregivers experience significantly more emotional strain than other kinds of caregivers.
• Caregivers of those with Alzheimer's and other dementias experience significantly more physical strain compared to other kinds of caregivers.
• Alzheimer's and dementia caregivers report significantly more mental and physical problems as a result of caregiving than other kinds of caregivers.
• Caregivers of those with Alzheimer's and other dementias experience significantly more financial hardship due to caregiving compared to other kinds of caregivers.

It seems clear that Alzheimer's caregivers face a distinct set of circumstances that put them at higher risk of caregiver stress and burnout, making targeted services all the more necessary. If you're an Alzheimer's caregiver, take good care of yourself and learn about caregiver coping tips.

<sub>Sources:

Ory, M. G., Hoffman III, R. R., Yee, J. L., Tennstedt, S., & Schulz, R. (1999). Prevalence and impact of caregiving: A detailed comparison between dementia and nondementia caregivers. The Gerontologist, 39(2), 177-185.

Schulz, R. (2008, September). Intervening to support caregivers of persons with dementia. Paper presentation at the 6th Annual Rocky Mountain Geriatrics Conference, Salt Lake City, Utah.</sub>