Currently, over 6 million individuals in the US are living with Alzheimer’s dementia (AD), and that number could potentially skyrocket to 75 million within the next decade. 

AD is a progressive brain disease that appears in two types, either early onset in people 60 or younger or late onset in people 65 or older. In both types, executive brain functions such as memory, language, decision-making, and judgment are severely diminished, leading to the necessity of a caregiver. Over 80% of caregivers for those living with AD are informal caregivers, such as family members or friends, who are rarely, if ever, prepared for the mental, physical, and emotional challenges brought on by caregiving.

In this episode, Dr. Caryn breaks down alarming statistics surrounding informal caregivers for AD patients while focusing on solutions nursing can offer to alleviate caregiver burden.   

In this episode, you’ll also hear:

• Identifying informal caregivers

• Understanding dementia and caregiver burden 

• Benefits of nursing and respite services 

Must-listen moments: 

[00:05:44] Alzheimer's dementia is one of the costliest societal conditions at a quarter of a trillion dollars annually to the healthcare system.

[00:07:58] Caregiver burden is a multi-faceted, multi-dimensional concept that's based on the perception of strain related to the care that the caregiver provides. 

[00:12:05] Rest, or temporary delay, respite for the caregiver of Alzheimer's dementia care recipients can reduce stress symptoms of depression and increase resilience.

Visit our website - https://carynforthecaregiver.com/

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Connect with Dr. Caryn Blair DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, using the form here: https://carynforthecaregiver.com/contact/

Welcome to the Caregiver Empowerment Zone Podcast!  

I’m your host Dr. Caryn Blair, and I started this podcast to increase awareness of the need to offer maximum support to caregivers across the globe. I intend to shed light on the various physical and mental health issues caregivers face without adequate support and how we can work together to address this national and global challenge.  

In this episode, you’ll also hear: 

• Common threads of caregivers  

• Informal vs. formal caregivers  

• Growing need for caregiver support  

Must-listen moments:  

[00:01:09] Along my journey, I saw some common threads. I notice patients desire to heal at home, expire at home, and want education for themselves and their family members regarding medical interventions required in the home setting. Lastly, I notice that patients and family members desire support. 

[00:10:34] Caregivers are at risk of mortality and stress-related physical and psychiatric morbidity. They have a higher prevalence of depression and anxiety compared to the general population. 

[00:11:51] Formal and informal caregivers provide an excellent service to society. The time has come for humanity to acknowledge, give close attention, and support caring for caregivers. 

Visit our website - https://carynforthecaregiver.com/

Connect with Dr. Caryn Blair DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, using the form here: https://carynforthecaregiver.com/contact/