Of Alzheimer’s Disease Caregivers (NAPSA)—Anational survey of 524 non-professional Alzheimer’s disease (AD) caregivers found that, over time, memory loss and confusion, which are cognitive symptoms, in addition to personal safety are their greatest concerns related to their loved one’s AD. In fact, 67 percent of AD caregivers surveyed said changes in cognitive symptoms were among their main concerns. The survey wasrecently conducted by Harris Interactive for Eisai Inc. and Pfizer Inc in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA). The majority of AD caregivers surveyed are proactive partici- pants in the dialogue and decisionmaking around their loved one’s disease, and 75 percent were either “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with the communication they have with their loved one’s health care professional. However, one fourth of care- givers were either “somewhat”or “not at all satisfied,” highlighting there may be room for improvementin this dialogue. “Family caregivers are typically the first to notice when their loved one’s symptoms are changing and whether AD maybeprogressing,” said Eric J. Hall, president and CEO of AFA. “This is whyit is critical for them to proactively engage in discussions with their health care professional to help address these changes.” Family gatherings provide an opportunity to observe changes in a loved one that may stand out after not seeing them for a while. About AD AD—a degenerative disease of the brain—is typically characterized by three stages: mild, moderate and severe. AD gradually gets worse over time and is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Right now, as many as 5.1 million Americans age 65 and older have AD, with 3.6 million of those having mod- Alzheimer’s disease affects not only the patient but also the caregivers and theentire family. erate-to-severe disease. AD affects not only the individual with the disease but also the caregivers and the entire family. As our population ages—including the first wave of baby boomers turning 65 in 2011—the disease may impact a greater percentage of Americans. For additional information about AD and other resources, visit www.alzfdn.org. Key Survey Findings The survey also illustrated the following: 55 percent of AD caregivers surveyed said caring for their loved one has takena toll on their own health 60 percent ofAD caregivers surveyedsaid they feel overwhelmed 84 percent of caregivers of loved ones with severe AD surveyed said caregiving frequently stops them from participating in activities they enjoy, which is more than caregiversof loved ones with mild (67 percent) and moderate (68 percent) AD The three greatest caregiver concerns about their loved one’s AD were memoryloss (41 percent), personal safety (33 percent) and confusion (27 percent) 67 percent of AD caregivers surveyed namedat least one change in cognitive symptoms as a main concern abouttheir loved one’s AD Disclosure This article was provided by Hisai Inc. (www.eisai.com) and Pfizer Inc (www.pfizer.com). Courtesy of North American Precis Syndicate
