FOR SPOUSAL CAREGIVERS
OF DEMENTIA PATIENTS Tips:
By Lori Lataille
Alzheimer’s disease, the most prominent form of
When a spouse cares for their loved one with Alzheimer’s
disease, it can lead to the spouse caregiver feeling
overburdened and even depressed. This can work to
exacerbate the problems between the couple and create
a rift in the relationship that can sometimes be irreparable.
Some testimonies from the study found that many couples
ended up losing their relationship.
“It’s like he doesn’t…have anything to offer… it’s…it’s
different,” One testimony read. “We had planned to travel
some after he retired... It’s a lot different… And just our life
has changed dramatically. And it will continue to. We have
more bad days than good days now…you just try to make the
best of it and go on.”
Despite these common problems that many spousal
caregivers face, there are ways to improve the outcome
and hopefully avoid detrimental effects on the relationship.
dementia, is a progressive and degenerative mental
disorder that affects cognitive function, memory,
and even physical attributes. In general, dementia is a
blanket term used to refer to a group of symptoms that
involve the loss of cognitive functioning and behavioral
abilities that interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s disease
is just one of many forms of dementia. Unfortunately,
Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia is something that
primarily affects older individuals and seniors.
Because these disorders are progressive, symptoms may
start small but as time passes, they can become more and
more severe and lead to problems performing day-to-day
tasks. If this occurs, dementia patients will likely have to
enlist the help of a caregiver or an assisted living facility.
For many married couples, when a husband or wife begins to
show signs of serious dementia the spouse will oftentimes
become the caregiver for their loved one. With that said,
dementia caregiving can be a burdensome thing and lead
to many challenges and obstacles in a relationship. If you
don’t know how to navigate the issues properly, it can lead
to problems and rifts in the relationship.
C o m m o n R e l at i o n s h i p P r o b l e m s
For many, these problems in the relationship can lead
to tension and even loss of relationships. Dementia is
stressful, not only for the patient but for the caregiver
as well. In fact, caregivers for those with dementia are at
an increased risk of stress, depression, and many other
health complications.
The Journal of Family Nursing conducted a study and
overview of spousal caregiving to look at some of the
common problems in the relationships that led to issues.
Some of the common themes in testimonies that they
received found communication problems like not being
able to talk and or socialize. Moreover, when the disorders
got in the way of plans that they’ve had for a long time,
such as travel, it can dramatically interfere with the
relationship. Agitation, a common symptom of dementia,
is another problem that often interferes with and can lead
to strained relationships.
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