Case 10 Identifiable Stress

10 Stress Symptoms

According to the Alzheimer’s Disease Association (2015), there are 10 identifiable stress symptoms observed in caregivers that are contributing to the psychological and physical distress of the caregiver. As the disease progresses the stress increases. The first stressor is denial of the disease and its unexpected impact on the one who is diagnosed. Next, is the unexpected feeling of anger towards the victim of Alzheimer’s disease and toward others because there is no cure for this devastating disease. Due to the continuous cognitive decline, anger increases toward the care recipient, especially when they continually ask the same question over and over again while becoming more dependent. Social withdrawal or isolation from friends and family members is a significant stress factor. Consequently, the caregiver no longer participates in activities that once brought them joy. Anxiety and worry are in the forefront as the care recipient recognizes the extensive care that will be required outside the home increasing the financial burden. Feelings of depression impact the caregiver’s spirit and, therefore, the caregiver begins to lose hope in the caregiving role. Psychological and physical exhaustion begins to take over from the round the

Due to the extreme financial expense in health care the majority of care is being provided at the AD patient’s home with little support. Caregiver burden is on the rise and is a significant health risk (Richardson, Lee, Berg-Weger, & Grossberg, 2013). Caregiver burden risk factors to consider are female gender, elder adult, progressive decline in cognitive and physical activity, depression, poor relationship with care recipient, loss of motivation, limited social life, minimal income, low self-efficacy, and loss of coping skills (Richardson et al.,