The emotional toll of caring for a partner with dementia can be overwhelming – and wreak havoc on a caregiver’s own health. New research from Johns Hopkins and Utah State suggests that stress may put a caregiver at risk for developing dementia as well. Spouses who cared for a partner with dementia had a sixfold increase in the risk of developing the disease, researchers found in a 12-year study.
People who are providing care for loved ones often neglect their own physical well-being--they don’t go to the doctor, or take their medication correctly, and because they are under a lot of stress, their blood pressure usually goes too high, for instance.
Bluntly, taking care of yourself is essential if you are to be able to take care of a loved one as long as possible. Everyone needs a break--a respite from the stress. Being selfish--thinking of your needs and wants--is okay.
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