Daughter-in-Laws Care for Alzheimer's Patients

According to research, 90 percent of Alzheimer's patients are cared for by women. Of these women, 34 percent, namely one out of every three, have psychological problems such as depression and anxiety. Of the people providing care for the patients, 40% are the daughter-in-law o son-in-law, 30% are children, and 10% are grandchildren, distant relatives, or neighbors. Stating that the patient becomes entirely in need of medical care after a particular stage, Neurology Specialist advised the patient relatives to seek professional help.

According to the latest research conducted on Alzheimer's patients and their relatives, 90 percent of the people who undertake the care of the patient are women. The same study shows that while 40 percent of these people are cared for by their daughter-in-law or son-in-law, one out of every three people who undertake the care have psychological problems such as depression and anxiety.
There are about 400 thousand Alzheimer's patients in Turkey. Alzheimer's, classically known as the disease of the elderly population, affects the mental health of people who care for them as much as patients. Recent studies have shown that 90 percent of patients are cared for by women, while these people have psychological problems such as depression and anxiety. Drawing attention to the need for caring about the health of the people who take care of the patients as much as the health of the patients, Yeditepe University Koşuyolu Hospital Neurology Specialist shared the following information about research conducted on patients and patient relatives:

"The Most Common Problems are Depression and Anxiety"

"Studies show that 90 percent of caregivers are women. There is a heavy burden on these women. Because 64 percent of caregivers experience serious difficulties. This has also been proven by the quality-of-life scales. Of the people who undertake the care of Alzheimer's patients, 34 percent, namely one out of every three people have psychological problems. These people need to be treated. Among these problems, on the other hand, depression and anxiety are the leading ones. Depression and anxiety are adverse factors that lie at the foundation of all diseases. Serious efforts also need to be made to prevent this.”

Mostly Their Daughter-in-Law Takes Care of Them

Our specialist, who stated that 40 percent of caregivers are the person's daughter-in-law or son-in-law, said, “30 percent of them are their children; this is a very interesting figure. About 10 percent of the caregivers comprise grandchildren, distant relatives, or neighbors, while about 20-30 percent are spouses. But when the greatest percentage is viewed, we see daughters-in-law and sons-in-law.  This feature is characteristic of Turkey or rather associated with our geography. In Europe, these figures are much different. Of the families caring for an Alzheimer's patient, on the other hand, 60 percent say they cannot receive support. Among family members, the burden usually falls on a certain individual. On the other hand, the family relationships of 10 percent of the caregivers deteriorate due to caring for the patient. The financial burden of the person who undertakes care increases significantly. Of them, 10 percent have financial difficulties they cannot handle.”

How Should Patients Be Approached?

Emphasizing that caregivers should receive professional help, our specialist said, “After a certain stage, the patient becomes a person who is completely in need of medical care and no longer has social relationships. At this stage, patients must be placed in care centers where they can get professional help because the condition of entirely healthy caregivers is crucial at this stage. In this process, which requires very serious care and is exhausting, healthy people (caregivers) should definitely take priority over sick people. Families should not be broken up in order to care for Alzheimer's patients. The unity of the family is very important for future generations, children should not be left without care. Paying attention to these concepts is of great importance for public health. Those who undertake care of Alzheimer's patients usually feel that they need help, but they shy away from requesting this help. Please let them not be embarrassed, let them request help, and let them inform others that they need help.
Before becoming a full-care patient, there are difficulties in living together with the patient. Patients can be very stubborn during this period and may want unusual things. This situation can challenge caregivers. The patient must be calmed down with constructive words such as "Okay, we'll do it, let's do it in the morning." In such cases, it is essential not to be obstinate with the patient and not to try to convince them with logical explanations. In addition, trying to teach certain things to a patient who has permanently forgotten them now is a futile effort, only the memory and information that the patient already has should be supported and used, and patients must not be forced. Love is so important, and patients should always be approached with love."

Beware of Poor Nutrition and Sleep

The Neurology Specialist listed the following things to be done in order to postpone the disease or increase the likelihood of avoiding the disease even a little bit:
“This is possible through good nutrition, sleep, and mood. It is known that depression creates a disposition to Alzheimer's disease. The weaker the social relationships and the less physical mobility, the greater the risk. A poor diet and a poor sleep pattern increase the risk. The small changes we can make by arranging our daily lives are much more important than drugs to prevent Alzheimer's disease or treat the condition.