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(NAPSI)-A new survey finds that children of “sandwich” generation caregivers are actively participating in caregiving responsibilities for loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease. Sandwich caregivers face unique challenges when caring for a parent with Alzheimer’s disease-not only are they responsible for their loved one, but also for their children. Results from the third annual Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) ICAN: Investigating Caregivers’ Attitudes and Needs survey show that Alzheimer’s disease care has become a family affair. “Taking care of someone with Alzheimer’s disease can be an enormous drain on the caregiver and on family resources. For sandwich caregivers the problem is even more acute. It is clear that caregiving is a multigenerational concern. Young adults and even teens and preteens are being impacted in life-changing ways by their caregiving responsibilities,” says Eric J. Hall, AFA’s president and chief executive officer. According to the survey, about three in five caregivers say their children are involved in caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease. Their responsibilities can include assisting with doctors’ appointments and activities of daily living such as feeding and dressing, entertaining and visiting with a loved one. Support For Caregivers And Children Is Needed It is estimated that the 5.7 million Americans caring for aging relatives and loved ones also have children whom they care for. With the U.S. population aging rapidly, the need for family caregivers will significantly increase in the years ahead. In addition to the 70 percent of adult caregivers who responded that they need more help caring for their loved one with the disease, nearly two-thirds noted that they would like more information about how to help their children cope when a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. “A segment of young adults and even teens is assisting with managing daily needs, and a small percentage are called upon to make informed decisions about treatment for patients. So it’s crucial they have information sources,” says Lesley Blake, M.D., clinical professor of psychiatry, University of Washington School of Medicine, St. Louis. “As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, declines in cognition, function and behavior worsen. Both adult and nonadult caregivers need to be educated about what to expect and, more importantly, what to do in these cases.” Lack Of Knowledge Contributes To Delay In Diagnosis And Treatment The survey also showed that many Alzheimer’s patients received a delayed diagnosis-typically after two years, often due to lack of the caregiver’s familiarity with symptoms or knowledge about Alzheimer’s disease. Most thought Alzheimer’s disease symptoms were normal signs of aging. Symptoms often include forgetfulness, memory loss, misplacing things, and disorientation. In addition, 77 percent of caregivers were not aware “combination therapy”-which combines medications from two FDA-approved Alzheimer’s medication classes-can be used to treat Alzheimer’s disease. “Proper diagnosis and treatment are crucial,” says Dr. Blake. “Symptoms can be delayed and caregiver burden reduced through medication therapy, which may include combining medications from two FDA-approved Alzheimer’s medication classes.” About Alzheimer’s Disease Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, degenerative disorder that attacks the brain’s nerve cells, resulting in loss of memory and thinking and language skills, as well as behavioral changes. Alzheimer’s disease currently affects more than 5 million Americans. Published reports project that, by 2050, this number could more than triple-to as many as 16 million people in the U.S. Help Is Out There For more information, call (toll-free) 866-AFA-8484 or visit www.alzfdn.org. This survey was conducted for the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America and sponsored by Forest Pharmaceuticals, Inc. |
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