Brain Health Expert: Patricia Faust
Caregiver stress is often times ignored and under-reported.
February 21, 2025, was National Caregivers Day. Why am I mentioning that after the fact? Because I have been taking a deep dive into the effects of stress on the brain, and caregivers have a real assault of stress consistently on their brain and body.
The other reason I chose to write about this is because women are primarily the informal caregivers for family. And nearly three in five family caregivers have paid jobs in addition to their caregiving. Increase this stress level by another layer by considering that many of these women still have children living at home. All these factors put the physical, emotional, mental and brain health status at high risk for collapse.
“Alzheimer’s is cruel to many people.”
Behaviors Of Dementia:
Years ago, I was giving a presentation on the benefits of using essential oils to ease the behaviors of dementia to an Alzheimer’s Association women’s support group.
One woman stood up and started walking out and yelling that she just wanted her mother to die! As horrifying as this sounded, I discovered that she had been caring for her mother for over ten years. She gave up her career, was financially strapped, and alone. She had lost everything! Alzheimer’s is cruel to many people. Unfortunately, this is not an unusual story.
Caregiver stress is due to the emotional and physical strain of caregiving. Many caregivers are providing help or are “on call” almost all day. Sometimes, this means there is little time for work or other family members or friends. Some caregivers may feel overwhelmed by the amount of care their aging, sick, or disabled family member needs. Anyone can get caregiver stress, but more women caregivers say they have stress and other health problems than men caregivers.
The 4 Signs And Symptoms Of Caregiver Stress:
Caregiver stress can take many forms. You may feel frustrated and angry one minute and helpless the next. You may make mistakes when giving medicines. Or you may turn to unhealthy behaviors like smoking or drinking too much alcohol. I had one stressed caregiver tell me she never used to smoke but took it up to walk outside and take a couple of minutes to herself. Smoking calmed her down!
Key points about the impact of caregiving on adult health:
1. Mental Health Effects:
Caregivers are at a higher risk of developing depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues due to the emotional strain of caregiving, especially when dealing with complex medical needs or challenging behaviors of the care recipient.
2. Physical Health Consequences:
Chronic stress from caregiving can manifest physically through issues like high blood pressure, increased risk of heart disease, weakened immune system, digestive problems, and disrupted sleep patterns.
3. Impact On Daily Life:
Caregiving responsibilities can lead to neglecting personal needs like healthy eating, exercise, and social interaction, further impacting overall health.
4. Severity Depends On Factors:
The severity of health impacts can vary depending on the care recipient’s condition, the level of care required, the caregiver’s personal health, support system, and coping mechanisms.
The 5 Ways Caregiver Stress Imacts The Brain:
1. Cortisol Impact:
Chronic stress from caregiving leads to consistently high cortisol levels, which can impair the hippocampus (center of learning and memory), and prefrontal cortex (executive function center) leading to difficulties with learning, memory, recall, and decision-making.
2. White Matter Damage:
High stress levels can also affect the brain’s white matter, which is responsible for communication between the different regions of the brain, potentially leading to slower information processing and cognitive decline.
3. Increased Risk of Depression and Anxiety:
The constant emotional strain of caregiving can trigger or exacerbate symptoms of depression and anxiety, further impacting brain function and overall wellbeing.
4. Sleep Disturbances:
Caregivers often experience sleep disturbances due to worry and stress, further impacting cognitive function and intensifying the negative effects of stress hormones.
5. Impaired Immune Function:
Chronic stress can also weaken the immune system, leaving caregivers more vulnerable to illness and further impacting their cognitive abilities.
3 Factors That Can Aggravate Caregiver Stress On The Brain:
1. Severity Of Care Needs:
Caring for someone with complex medical needs or behavioral disturbances can lead to higher stress levels.
2. Lack Of Social Support:
Feeling isolated and without adequate support networks can worsen the impact of stress on the brain.
“You need to learn ways to better help your loved one. “
3. Financial Strain:
The financial burden of caregiving can add to stress and further affect cognitive function.
These lists are stress-inducing! If you are a caregiver and resonate with all of this, here are some tips to help prevent or manage caregiver stress. If you were thrown into a caregiving situation and are still reeling from the abrupt thrust of responsibilities, take a deep breath and incorporate some of these suggestions.
Chances are you aren’t in the healthcare field and are just trying to figure out what to do next. You need to learn ways to better help your loved one. Check out the hospitals in your area and see if they offer classes on hands on care for someone with an illness or injury. If you know what you are doing, the stress will subside because you will have confidence that what you are doing is correct. Also call your local Area Agency on Aging. The AAAs are national and are in every state. Their focus is on helping caregivers with knowledge and resources. They will become your best friend.
Find Caregiving Resources In Your Community:
Many communities have adult day care services or respite services to give primary caregivers a break from their caregiving duties. Use them!
Ask For And Accept Help:
Make a list of ways others can help you. Many times, people are willing to help but have no idea how they can. The list can cover anything you need help with.
Is it sitting with the person while you run an errand or picking up a prescription and dropping it off? Put together a calendar of days that you need help and what kind of help you need. Let helpers choose what they can do. Don’t wait until the last minute to ask someone for help and then be disappointed that they aren’t available. Honor their time and help by asking in advance.
Join A Support Group For Caregivers:
There are several agencies that offer support groups for caregivers. Your local Area Agency on Aging will have lists of support groups and the times they meet. Give them a call.
The Alzheimer’s Association in your area has support groups for men and women caregivers. They are usually well attended. You can check your churches in your area. You can share stories, pick up caregiving tips, and get support from others who are going through the same challenges as you are.
It is important that you don’t isolate yourself in caregiving. These support groups are offer understanding and camaraderie. Socialization is important for your brain health.
Get Organized:
Make to-do lists and set a daily routine.
Self-Help Tips For The Caregiver:
- TAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF! Stay in touch with family and friends and do things you enjoy with your loved ones.
- Take care of your health.
- Exercise: Aim for 30 minutes exercise most days.
- Sleep: Get 7-9 hours of sleep each night and develop a relaxing bedtime routine.
- Eat well: Eat a balanced diet and drink plenty of water
- Take breaks: Ask a friend or family member to help, hire an aide, or sign up for an adult day care program.
- Reduce stress: Try relaxation techniques like meditation, tai chi, or yoga.
- Make time for yourself: Set aside time each week to do something you enjoy.
- Maintain a sense of humor: Humor can be a valuable coping strategy.
“There are many resources available throughout the community. You do not have to do this all by yourself. “
Caregiving Services In The Community:
There are many resources available throughout the community. You do not have to do this all by yourself. Again, contact your local Area Agency on Aging. They can help you find and put in place these caregiving services.
- Meal delivery
- Home health care services, such as nursing or physical therapy
- Nonmedical home care services, such as housekeeping, cooking or companionship
- Making changes to your home, such as installing ramps or modified bathtubs
- Legal and financial counseling
- Respite care, which is substitute caregiving (someone comes to your home, or you may take your loved one to an adult day care center or day hospital)
Be proactive in setting up services that help your loved one but also reduce your caregiver stress. This time with your loved one can be very special.
Reference: OASH/Office on Women’s Health. Caregiver stress. Retrieved from https://womenshealth.gov
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About the Author:
Patricia Faust is a gerontologist specializing in the issues of brain aging, brain health, brain function and dementia. She has a Masters in Gerontological Studies degree from Miami University in Oxford Ohio. Patricia is certified as a brain health coach and received a certification in Neuroscience and Wellness through Dr. Sarah McKay and the Neuroscience Academy. My Boomer Brain, founded in 2015, is the vehicle that Patricia utilizes to teach, coach and consult about brain aging, brain health and brain function. Her newsletter, My Boomer Brain, has international readers from South Africa, Australia, throughout Europe and Canada. She has also been a frequent guest on Medicare Moment on WMKV and Cincy Lifestyles on WCPO.
