This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

During National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month the Alzheimer's Association is focusing its attention on the unique challenges facing Alzheimer's and dementia caregivers, specifically helping caregivers recognize and manage caregiver stress.

Caring for a person living with Alzheimer's or another dementia can take a severe emotional, physical and financial toll on the individual providing assistance. It is estimated that due to the physical and emotional impact of caregiving, Alzheimer's and dementia caregivers had $10.2 billion in health care costs of their own in 2015. In fact, 59% of family caregivers of people with Alzheimer's and other dementias rated their emotional stress as high or very high. Additionally, about 40 percent of family caregivers of people with dementia suffer from depression themselves; a startling figure promoting this month's awareness effort.

At the Alzheimer's Association website (alz.org) several helpful resources are available. A Stress Test asks questions about anxiety, grief and strain to check a caregiver's levels of stress in hopes of identifying and treating these symptoms early on. There are also articles with simple tips to ensure caregivers exercise, tips for healthy eating and more, aimed at balancing care responsibilities while managing the health of the caregiver.

On average, female caregivers spend more time caregiving than male caregivers. About two-thirds of caregivers of people with Alzheimer's and other dementias are women, with over one-third of dementia caregivers are daughters. Because female caregivers tend to spend more time caregiving, and are more likely to care for someone with a greater number of behavioral problems, they may experience slightly higher levels of burden, depression and impaired health than men. It's important for caregivers, and family and friends closest to them, to recognize these common signs of caregiver stress:

• Denial about the disease and its effect on the person who has been diagnosed.

• Anger at the person with Alzheimer's or frustration that he or she can't do the things they used to be able to do.

• Social withdrawal from friends and activities that used to make you feel good.

• Anxiety about the future and facing another day.

• Depression that breaks your spirit and affects your ability to cope.

• Exhaustion that makes it nearly impossible to complete necessary daily tasks.

• Sleeplessness caused by a never-ending list of concerns.

• Irritability that leads to moodiness and triggers negative responses and actions.

• Lack of concentration that makes it difficult to perform familiar tasks.

• Health problems that begin to take a mental and physical toll.

"An important key to good caregiving is a healthy caregiver, says Ronnie Daniel, executive director for the Alzheimer's Association, Utah Chapter. "Managing caregiver stress is essential and benefits both the caregiver and the person under their care." The Alzheimer's Association offers these suggestions to help manage stress:

• Know available community resources. Contact your local Alzheimer's Association® office to locate dementia care resources in your area.

• Become an educated caregiver. Understanding the disease, its progression and accompanying behavioral and physical changes can help you become a better caregiver.

• Build a Support Network. Organize friends and family who want to help provide care and support. Access local support groups or online communities to connect with other caregivers. If stress becomes overwhelming, seek professional help.

• Take care of yourself. Try to eat well, exercise and get plenty of rest. Making sure that you are healthy can help you be a better caregiver.

• Manage stress. Stress can cause physical problems (blurred vision, stomach irritation, high blood pressure) and changes in behavior (irritability, lack of concentration, changes in appetite). Note your symptoms and discuss with a doctor, as needed. Try to find relaxation techniques that work for you.

For more information, please visit www.alz.org/utah or call 800.272.3900.