A new study in the May issue of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society seems to indicate those Alzheimer caregivers who are:

• young
• less educated
• overburdened or depressed

may actually increase the frequency of wandering, hallucinations, and restlessness.

Interestingly, the youngest caregivers reported 50 percent more behavioral problems that the oldest caregivers.

Dr. Kaycee Sink, a professor of gerontology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine notes that “certain styles of caregiving may bring” these behavioral problems out.

Additionally, it appears that the emotional state of the caregiver can also elicit these problems. In other words, caregivers that are over-stressed or depressed may lead to Alzheimer patients having more agitation and confusion.

Tags: behavioral-problems, geriatric, gerontology, hallucinations, restlessness, wandering

Posted: Sunday, October 1st, 2006 at 9:39 pm
Categories: Alzheimers, Smartkit All Posts.