Caregiver Offers Observation

The article in the July 16 issue titled “For Alzheimer's Patients, Life May Be Better Than Caretakers Think” may be accurate, but, as a spousal caregiver, I can't agree with Dr. Kristine Yaffe's general conclusion.

The impact of ongoing and escalating stress on caregivers cannot and should not be ignored. However, neither should the positive impact of their excellent caregiving be ignored when it comes to the emotional well-being expressed by their ill loved ones. It is hoped that a well-supported loved one would be able to match these findings, yet I seriously doubt they would if they were not provided for in a meaningful and loving way by attentive and well-informed caregivers, despite their personal stress.

Perhaps another study should be done on affected individuals who live alone or in an unattended environment. I think that such findings may not be so“ sunny” on the part of the ill individuals.

I suggest that Dr. Yaffe look at the 80 percent depression rate among long-term, in-home caregivers of those who have any form of dementia-related illness, especially Alzheimer's disease. Depression is a critical reason why many caregivers lose their own health and global (and realistic) sense of well-being.