Did you know that right now, nearly 12 million Americans are providing unpaid care for a loved one living with Alzheimer's disease? It's a role that requires great commitment and there are no days off. Today, you can show that you stand with all caregivers by joining the fight with a gift to the Alzheimer's Association while it can TRIPLE in impact during our Power Our Progress 3X Match!
This match is made possible thanks to a generous pledge from Leone McKay, made in honor of her late husband, Col. Bill McKay, whom she lost to Alzheimer's after three years of battling the disease. Bill's diagnosis was devastating, and Leone experienced the demoralizing effects that the disease has on many caregivers. The added responsibilities, stress and grief greatly impacted her physical and mental health. Thanks to Leone's generosity, any gift you make by November 17 — up to $660,000 — can go 3X as far to help provide care and support to families impacted by Alzheimer's, while also accelerating global research and driving advocacy and education efforts.
Leone McKay and her husband, Col. Bill McKay, whom she lost to Alzheimer's.
This pledge from Leone will give others facing Alzheimer's the help and hope that she so desperately needed as a caregiver and to support research so that one day, no one will have to experience what she and her husband did.
We have made tremendous progress in the fight, but we can't stop now. Every day, more people are diagnosed with Alzheimer's, and more loved ones become caregivers. They rely on us for resources and information as they face new challenges in each stage of the disease, and we rely on your generosity to help ensure that we can be there for them whenever we're needed.
It's important for caregivers to maintain physical and mental health. To help, the Association has put together a list of tips for fighting caregiving stress. You can help make vital care resources like this available, while advancing research for new treatments that could greatly improve the lives of those living with Alzheimer's.
Fight Caregiving Stress
Unpaid dementia caregiving accounted for an estimated 19 billion hours in the United States last year, equating to a cost of roughly $384 billion. This care can be physically, mentally and emotionally demanding — more than 70% of dementia caregivers report feeling stressed when coordinating care.
Leone McKay knows this stress all too well. Following her husband's diagnosis, she became so focused on caring for Bill that she neglected her own health. Sadly, this is the case for many caregivers as they navigate new challenges and crises, all while dealing with the grief of losing a loved one.
If you or someone you know is acting as a caregiver, it's important to be aware of symptoms of caregiver stress and burnout:
Denial about the disease and its effect on the person who has been diagnosed.
Anger at the person living with Alzheimer's or frustration that they can't do the things they used to be able to do.
Social withdrawal from friends and activities that used to make the caregiver feel good.
Anxiety about the future and facing another day.
Depression that breaks the spirit and affects the caregiver's ability to cope.
Exhaustion that makes it nearly impossible to complete necessary daily tasks.
Sleeplessness caused by a never-ending list of concerns.
Irritability that leads to moodiness and triggers negative responses and actions.
Lack of concentration that makes it difficult to perform familiar tasks.
Health problems that begin to take a mental and physical toll.
If you are a caregiver and are experiencing these symptoms, reach out to a physician. We also provide resources for caregivers who are experiencing stress or feeling overwhelmed:
Our free 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900) offers confidential support and information to people living with the disease, caregivers, families and the public.
ALZNavigator™ is an online tool that provides a customized action plan with information, educational programs and local resources for people living with dementia and their caregivers.
ALZConnected® is a free online community designed for people living with dementia and those who care for them.
Community Resource Finder provides information on programs and events, care at home, community services, housing options and medical services.
For more information on what the Association can do for caregivers, go to alz.org/caregiving.
Your donation will strengthen our efforts to advance Alzheimer's care, support and research. From face-to-face support to online education programs and promising global research initiatives, your gift makes a difference in the lives of all those affected by Alzheimer's and other dementias in your community and across the world. Thank you for your continued support.
Please add [email protected] to your address book to ensure you receive all future emails.
Having trouble reading this email? View it in your browser
View your email preferences or unsubscribe.
