How do Alzheimer's Caregivers Think and Feel?

Which of he following apply to you as an Alzheimer's caregiver? Which of these constantly bother you?

By Bob DeMarco
Alzheimer's Reading Room
February, 2010

The typical Alzheimer's caregiver experiences an array of feelings and emotions each day. Typical feelings include a sense of hopelessness, sadness, anger, stress, and an inability to control or change the situation. Alzheimer's caregivers also experience feelings of happiness, accomplishment, and a strong sense of responsibility.


Which of he following apply to you as an Alzheimer's caregiver? Which of these constantly bother you?

• Getting angry or frustrated about the added responsibility of Alzheimer's caregiving.
• Feelings of sadness or depression as you watch the memory and health of your loved one decline.
• Feeling isolated and trapped in your role as an Alzheimer's caregiver.
• Feeling abandoned by family and friends.
• Constant worry about the financial impact of Alzheimer's disease.
• Difficulty coping with the abrupt mood swings and behavior changes of an Alzheimer's sufferer.
• Having to take time away from work due to added caregiving responsibilities.
• Not being able to work due to my caregiving responsibilities.
• Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease has not caused any complications in my life.

Please use the comments box below this article to tell us how you feel (keep going down the page you'll see the comments box). Please feel free to add to the list above, or to ask questions of other readers.

All comments and reactions are welcome. If you would like to ask a question or would like to seek the advice of other readers, send an email to me and we can try it as a free standing article.

Related content.

• What is Alzheimer's Disease?
• Does the Combination of Aricept and Namenda Help Slow the Rate of Decline in Alzheimer's Patients
• Test Your Memory (TYM) for Alzheimer's or Dementia in Five Minutes
• Alzheimer's World -- Two Circles Trying to Intersect
• Baby Boomer Alzheimer's Perspective
• Alzheimer's Disease -- The Front Row
• Is it Really Alzheimer's or Something Else?
• Alzheimer's Clock Draw Test -- Detect the Signs of Alzheimer's Early

Original content Bob DeMarco, the Alzheimer's Reading Room