(Source: WebMD Health News) - Results of a new study indicate that spouses of people with dementia are at increased risk of developing dementia themselves.
Researchers, following more than 1,200 couples for 10 years, found that wives who cared for husbands with dementia were nearly four times more likely to develop dementia than wives of men who didn't have dementia. Husband caregivers were almost 12 times more likely to develop dementia than husbands of women who were cognitively healthy, said researcher Dr. Maria Norton, Utah State University, Logan. Dementia isn't contagious, of course. "But the amount of stress involved in caring for a spouse with dementia is tremendous," and stress is a known risk factor for dementia, said Psychiatrist Dr. Ralph Nixon.
I had a good case of "caregiver's dementia" last Sunday. There was an open house at the Adult Day Care center DW attends, to celebrate one year of operation. The director particularly wanted DW and me to be there to tell our story to the press. The open house was from 11:30 to 2:00. I remembered it at 3:30!!!! :-(
The interesting thing about this is that earlier in the week, they had a nice little article about how those with Alzheimer's who are being cared for by a spouse were getting "better care" and therefore, probably living longer! LOL!! We love them, care for them, interact with them, and then WE GET IT and they probably outlive us! Go figure!! Anyone in for a sing-along session of "Circle of Life"...
I changed my mind....when I inquired and they told me what would happen, I would rather take my chances (12 x more) with dementia,,...I am having a real hardtime with makeup and its definitely not for me........ :*
I don't think we actually get dementia. You know how sometimes people begin to look alike after years of living together -- the same way pets and owners begin to resemble one another.... I think the researchers just think we look like we have it!
I think I might be getting it! I sent away for shoes to two different companies. I sent one pair back because they weren't comfortable. Going through some paperwork this morning I found the address label for the shoes I sent back so I guess I have sent them to the wrong company. I hope they send them back to me!!!!!
I think the caregiver dementia is nothing more than we have sooooooooooooooooooooo much to remember regarding the care of our spouses, appointments for them, and all the rest, it is any wonder our "file cabinets" get so overfilled that some things spill out and we forget?