Things caregivers need to know about Alzheimer’s risks

Caregiver stress: an enemy to watch out for

Today, stress can be found everywhere, whether at home or at work. Stressful situations have become multi-faceted. Caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease are not immune to stress. Indeed, taking care of a sick person all day long is a difficult ordeal to bear if it must be prolonged over a long period of time. The opportunities for stress become multiple under these conditions. This is called caregiver stress or “caregiver overload”. This type of stress should not be confused with “good stress”. Good stress is useful because it allows you to excel and do unusual things.

But stress becomes negative for Alzheimer’s caregivers when it builds up. When stress builds up, it turns against you. It will cause disproportionate emotional reactions. And that’s not all! On a physical level, you’ll notice muscle tension, digestive illness, headaches, etc. Caregiver stress can greatly affect health and quality of life. As a caregiver, it is necessary to be informed about the risks of caring for an Alzheimer’s patient. Studies have also shown that caregivers are at greater risk for Alzheimer’s disease or cognitive decline.

Signs that should alert every caregiver

In addition to memory lapses, Alzheimer’s patients experience mood swings. There are also headaches or ringing in the ears. There are also character disorders. Under these conditions, the caregiver must be patient in order to take better care of the patient. When impatience and fatigue take over, certain signs may start to appear. Depression can also be triggered by stress. Alarming signs include a sense of inability to cope and chronic anxiety. There is no shortage of angry outbursts. Nights become difficult with disturbed sleep. All of this can lead to excessive exhaustion and negative repercussions on the health of the caregiver.

Finding ways to overcome stress

With the stressful situations caregivers face, it’s important to take action to prevent the worst from happening. The good news is that there are ways to cope with caregiver stress. For example, in stressful situations, you need to adopt a positive attitude to be stronger. For example, use relaxation techniques. It tends to feel good right away. Learning relaxation exercises is an excellent option for getting results. This discipline focuses on breathing and releasing body pressure. Don’t hesitate to take advantage of every opportunity to relax gently. Another option is brain training, which is a powerful antidepressant.