Dementia is on the climb, making a stressful environment for caregivers

 Bowling Green, KY.- The 2024 Alzheimer Disease Facts and Figures Report is now out, and the Alzheimer Association says coordinating care for a loved one living with the disease is stressful for 70% of caregivers.

There is a reported one-hundred-and-fifty-seven thousand caregivers in Kentucky, most of whom are unpaid, making it difficult to find resources and support. Kentucky is the fifth highest in the country for the number of hours per caregiver, and based on a survey, more than half of caregivers in the state find stress in navigating the healthcare system alone.

Chapter Executive for the Alzheimer’s Association, Shannon White, says “We do not have enough medical professionals to care for our aging population. Also, our caregivers are mainly unpaid caregivers, and that’s why they’re feeling so much stress because they don’t know where to turn. When there aren’t enough medical professionals or organizations that can help them, it adds to their stress.”

The Alzheimer’s Association offers free local resources and caregiver support with a 24/7 helpline (800)272-3900. For more information, you can visit the Alzheimer’s Association website.