Many caregivers are aware that taking on tasks as overwhelming as being available full-time, as well as taking care of the needs of their loved ones, can be a real time management challenge. The demands of being a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) can often cause them to neglect their own health and well-being. Self-care includes staying engaged socially on a regular basis. Depression, lack of sleep and isolation are ongoing concerns for many caregivers. In fact, recent studies show that loneliness and isolation could bring about consequences far more severe than you may have ever imagined. Some experts in the psychology field feel that pain and sadness that can result from long term isolation may even have significant physical consequences. To learn more about AD, CLICK HERE to view the 25 Topics for Alzheimer’s caregivers.
A recent study undertaken at the University of Chicago indicated that there is a close connection between premature death and those participants aged 55 and over who were lacking in close social connections. Psychologists surmise that these findings result from a wide range of biological responses which occur as a result of being socially isolated, according to John Cacioppo, University of Chicago psychologist. The symptoms that result from social isolation may include: high blood pressure, increase in inflammatory response, insomnia, high levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, and severe symptoms of depression. This study indicated that social isolation could reduce an elderly person’s life expectancy by as much as 14 percent-compared to poverty which ranks only a small increment higher at 19 percent of premature deaths.
Historically, humans depended on social groups for physical survival in order to hunt for food and defend the tribe against predators. Today, many elderly adults live alone, which, according to recent scientific studies, triggers a biological response (similar to the way that tissue damage triggers a pain response in the body), persuading humans to seek out human connection.
When it comes to caregivers, there is certainly an aspect of selflessness which makes them more at risk for isolation. Another possible factor making caregivers particularly at risk for social isolation, could be the fact that in general, this group of individuals tends to rarely ask others for help. Perhaps it’s simply that caregivers get so caught up in the day to day routine of doing their job that they forget to take the time needed for proper self-care.
The growing demands of those with AD can certainly take a toll on caregivers working alone to meet all of the demands of their loved ones. This makes it imperative that caregivers learn to get comfortable reaching out for support and asking for help when necessary.
