Caregivers of people with Alzheimer's may develop depression, expert warns

The disease of Alzheimer's, often associated with progressive forgetfulness and loss of cognitive ability, is a concern that hangs over many as they age.

For those who reach the 60-year mark, this restlessness takes on a new dimension, transforming into a concrete fear.

Diagnosing this disease, however, is not an easy task, as it affects the ability to retain recent memories and even remember simple everyday tasks.

As highlighted by doctor Anderson Kuntz, full member of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology (ABN), one of the The great concerns that haunt families affected by Alzheimer's are related to the risk of inheritance genetics.

Often, when the term “genetics” is mentioned, it may seem like all family members are destined to develop genetics. disease, when, in fact, the genetic predisposition requires the presence of other cases in the same family tree to be evaluated.

However, the greatest anguish shared by these families lies in the absence of treatments capable of, at the very least, stopping the progression of the disease.

The search for an effective medication that can offer hope is one of the main battles faced by those dealing with Alzheimer's.

The role of the family for those with Alzheimer's

Anderson Kuntz's approach highlights the importance of creating a harmonious family environment when dealing with Alzheimer's.

For the specialist, it is crucial that the family understands the progressive nature of the disease and is willing to accept the challenges behavior and the difficulties that the patient may face.

Keeping the patient within the family circle for as long as possible is a relevant factor in slowing the progression of the disease, as it provides emotional and affective stability.

Kuntz emphasizes that when treating Alzheimer's, it is essential to consider the impact on the family as a whole, as all members can be affected by the process.

This is a complex situation, in which we witness the transformation of someone we knew into a completely different person, both in terms of behavior and socially.

The specialist also suggests that keeping the patient at home, involving the family in care, is an important approach.

He highlights the need to have external caregivers, who are not part of the family circle, to offer support in practical matters, such as food and physical assistance.

This allows family members to focus on providing emotional support and affection to the patient, as well as taking care of themselves during the process. These moments of great tension can also cause depression in family members.

To conclude, Kuntz emphasizes the importance of helping the family understand the new dynamics that are established when an elderly member needs care.

For many, it is a difficult transition, as they are used to obeying their parents and now need to take on the role of caregivers.

This change can generate significant emotional conflicts, leading to depression among family members. Therefore, psychological support is essential to help them deal with this challenging situation.

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