Alzheimer’s awareness — and the effects the disease has on caregivers — were topics of a program presented at the Attala County Library on Nov. 9.
Alzheimer’s disease is currently ranked as the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, but recent estimates indicate that the disorder may rank third, just behind heart disease and cancer as a cause of death for older people.
Alicia Slater, Senior Life Solutions psychiatric consultant and director of Community Education at Baptist Medical Center – Attala, discussed signs of caregiver stress and methods of coping.
“Accepting first diagnosis of Alzheimer’s is hard, but as the disease progresses, it gets harder to cope and the family suffers,” she said.
Common signs of caregiver stress include denial, anger, social withdrawal, anxiety, depression, exhaustion, sleeplessness, irritability and lack of concentration.
“In addition to a mental toll, there is going to be a physical toll. You have got to get help,” Slater said. Becoming so concerned about caring for someone else lessens the realization that your own health is at risk, she said.
“Do something for yourself every day, even it is not but 15 minutes,” she suggested.
Group therapy, having interaction with other caregivers and sharing experiences, was another method of coping Slater mentioned. She suggested that caregivers take advantage of offers of help.
Slater pointed out that scientists continue to research the brain changes involved in the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Memory problems were identified as typical of the first signs of cognitive impairment related to Alzheimer’s.
Cindy Widdig, director of Community Education and Awareness of the Mississippi Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, also presented the program, coordinated in part by Caitlin Hayden, CAH community relations representative with Baptist Health Systems.
The Alzheimer’s Association offers a free 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.
Prior to the program, library staff members served a light lunch.
