Taking care of a loved one?

If you’re caring for someone living with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia the first thing to know is you are not on this journey by yourself. There are nearly 54,000 caregivers in Delaware alone who are caring for someone with dementia.

Getting educated about the disease, being proactive in planning for the future, accessing supports and services and asking for help to avoid burnout are important to coping. You are embarking upon a vital but stressful undertaking. There is help for you!

Alzheimer’s and dementia: what you need to know

Dementia is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder which causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. Contrary to what some people think, dementia is not a normal part of aging.

Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States. People with Alzheimer’s live an average of eight years but survival ranges from four to 20 years depending on age and other health conditions. There is currently no known way to prevent, treat or cure Alzheimer’s disease, however, treatments for symptoms are available and comprehensive research is ongoing. Alzheimer’s is getting increasing attention as a public health crisis and there is hope that better understanding of the disease will lead to better treatments and an eventual cure.