People with AD should visit their physician on a regular basis. The physician can chart the progression of the Disease and make alternations in treatment as needed. The physician can also offer support as well as specific therapies to the patients and their families. Back to top of page The Role of the Care Giver Slightly more than half of AD patients receive care at home, while the reminder received care in a variety of different types of institutions. The burden on the caregiver can become overwhelming as the disease becomes more advanced.
Caregivers often experience emotional, physical and financial stresses.
Caring for someone with AD can be a meaningful experience, but it can also be exhausting, overwhelming, and physically and emotionally draining. Most of the caregiver's time and attention is devoted to the Alzheimer's patient, which leaves little or no time for caregivers to spend on themselves. As a result, caregivers often neglect their own needs for emotional support and respite, or they may recognize these needs but are not sure how or where to get help. It is common for caregivers to experience fatigue, anxiety, irritability, anger, depression, social withdrawal, or health problems. They must learn to recognize these symptoms and seek medical attention or emotional support to maintain optimal health and well-being.