Cuidar a una persona con Alzheimer es uno de los trabajos más desafiantes del mundo y conlleva el riesgo de sufrir lo que se conoce como "síndrome del cuidador". Con este síndrome, se experimenta un estado de agotamiento físico, emocional y mental que también puede ir acompañado de un cambio en la actitud hacia el cuidado, pasando de una actitud positiva, cariñosa y gratificante a una actitud negativa, indiferente y resentida.

Es habitual que los cuidadores familiares que asisten a un ser querido con la enfermedad de Alzheimer experimenten un profundo sentimiento de duelo por todo aquello que se pierde a causa de esta enfermedad. El interés en actividades que anteriormente nos resultaban gratificantes y placenteras disminuye o deja de ser placentero. Esto suele observarse en la depresión, pero también puede atribuirse a una pérdida profunda. A continuación, le indicamos cómo afrontarlo.

It is common for family caregivers helping a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease to feel a profound sense of grief for all that is lost to this disease. Loss of interest in activities we previously found rewarding and enjoyable are lessened or no longer enjoyable. This is often seen in depression but can also be attributed to a profound loss. Here’s how to cope.

For caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders (ADRD), clinging and shadowing behaviors happen more often than not over the course of a day. Being followed everywhere and being repeatedly interrupted when trying to complete a task is a common source of frustration for many caregivers of loved ones with ADRD.

Sundowning is a state of increased agitation, activity and negative behaviors which happen late in the day through the evening hours. When sundowning, the person may become demanding, suspicious, upset, or disoriented, see or hear things that are not there, and believe things that are not true. They may pace or wander around the house while others are sleeping. Here are some tips for potentially reducing the occurrence of sundowning and softening its effects when it does happen.

Para los cuidadores de personas con enfermedad de Alzheimer y trastornos relacionados (ADRD), las conductas de apego y de «sombra» ocurren, en la mayoría de los casos, a lo largo del día. Ser seguido a todas partes y ser interrumpido repetidamente al intentar completar una tarea constituye una fuente común de frustración para muchos cuidadores de seres queridos con ADRD.

No matter what illness you and your loved one are facing, planning ahead can increase your knowledge and understanding, and will often allow for a wider range of care options and provide an overall peace of mind for everyone.

There is a lot we can all learn from each other as we endure our individual journeys as caregivers. There are some needs and feelings that are universal and learning how others manage and navigate can often be hugely comforting.

El reto al que se enfrentan los cuidadores familiares es aprender a aceptar, a vivir en el momento presente y a dejar ir las cosas que no se pueden controlar. Esto es un desafío, sin duda, pero si puede haber alguna alegría en el cuidado, aquí es donde está.

The challenge that family caregivers face is to learn acceptance, to live in the present moment, and to let go of things you cannot control. This is a challenge to be sure, but if there can be any joy in caregiving, this is where it is.

It would seem to be a given that many caregivers would be "depressed,” given all the challenges they are facing. But it is critical to separate the expected sadness from the effects of Alzheimer's disease and the emotionally and physically debilitating illness that "Major Depression" is in its worst form.

It’s important to understand that anxiety is triggered by physical reactions to stress signals the body receives. Here’s how to reduce these effects.

Parecería obvio que muchos cuidadores estarían deprimidos, dados todos los desafíos que enfrentan. Pero es fundamental separar la tristeza esperada de los efectos de la enfermedad de Alzheimer y la enfermedad emocional y físicamente debilitante que la "depresión mayor" representa en su peor forma.

Es importante comprender que la ansiedad se desencadena por reacciones físicas a las señales de estrés que recibe el cuerpo. Aquí te explicamos cómo reducir estos efectos.

The quality of an individual’s sleep is strongly connected to their overall physical, cognitive, and emotional health, and lack of sleep is a leading complaint of caregivers. Here are some tips on how to get some quality sleep.

La calidad del sueño de una persona está fuertemente relacionada con su salud física, cognitiva y emocional en general, y la falta de sueño es una de las principales quejas de los cuidadores. Aquí hay algunos consejos sobre cómo obtener un sueño de calidad.

New to caregiving? Here are some basic caregiving tips in 6 essential categories.

Over the last 20 years, extensive research, at Harvard and other prestigious universities, has shown that only 20 minutes of daily meditation has dramatic effects on physical health.

This pandemic is requiring all of us to find a “new normal” way to do everything. Your loved one living in an Assisted Living Facility is facing that reality in a dramatic way. Mealtime is different, the activities are limited, and visitors are not allowed. It is vital to their well being and yours that you carefully adjust to this new reality to ensure your loved one still feels comfortable and cared for. Here are 3 ways to help you on your way: