Caregivers of loved ones suffering from dementia or Alzheimer's often suffer in the face of demanding challenges associated with handling these types of diseases. Many times caregivers are torn between their caregiving responsibilities, as well as obligations in their own professional and personal lives. This may mean a myriad of things; cancelling long-made plans with friends or family to deal with unforeseen emergencies related to their loved one's illness.
The heartbreak and frustration of watching a loved one, often a parent or close family member, slowly deteriorate as a result of Alzheimer's and dementia can lead caregivers to becoming depressed themselves--they feel very alone in dealing with the trials of Alzheimer's and stress from bearing what is often a very heavy burden.
Amy Goyer writes in her article that "Medicine time with my dad has become one of the greatest difficulties, often taking an hour or more as we cajole, distract and sweet-talk him into swallowing pills or liquid medications. He doesn't understand why he should do so." (source)
At the same time, though a loved one with Alzheimer's, in their less lucid moments, may not understand or appreciate what their caregivers do for them or, as the name implies, how much they care for them, it cannot be argued how truly important and pivotal a caregiver's role is in the fragile life of loved one or family member with Alzheimer's; how much they matter, to themselves and those they provide invaluable care for.
Read more at: Dementia Caregivers Especially Stressed
This is so true. I am a 24/7 caregiver. I am on anti depression and anti anxiety to keep taking care of my husband who has two types of dementia.