Alzheimer’s carers are mostly women

WOMEN are most likely to care for a parent with Alzheimer’s disease around the clock in their own homes for more than six years, new research reveals.

The stark profile of the typical woman carer also shows that most are stretched, burdened and often sandwiched between caring for older parents and younger children.

The survey, conducted by Lundbeck (Ireland) Limited in conjunction with the Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI), highlights how hard it is for such people to get practical support.

It found that 78% of carers of people with Alzheimer’s disease are women; 53% are over the age of 50; 41% care for their mother and 62% do not work outside the home.

It also discovered that 74% of carers have never received any kind of training or education as to how to care for someone with Alzheimer’s disease, even at the diagnosis stage. In 64% of cases the ASI was credited as being the main source of external help.

Professor Brian Lawlor, a consultant in o ld age psychiatry at St Patrick’s Hospital Dublin, said the results of the survey confirm the harsh reality for carers of people with dementia.

“The survey highlights the fact that carers of people with dementia lack support and time for themselves, issues that needed urgent attention,” said the professor.

Dr Lawlor said the survey results were the tip of the iceberg in terms of the burden on caregivers.

While the society is aware of more than 40,000 people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, it cannot say for sure just how many are cared for at home by people who have never made contact with them.

“Much of Alzheimer’s disease is silent, undiagnosed and undetected in the community, and many carers are providing care with even less knowledge, help or supports than those surveyed,” said Prof Lawlor.

ASI chief executive Maurice O’Connell said carers needed as much support as possible so that patients with Alzheimer’s disease can retain a greater sense of control and, therefore, quality of life. A particularly worrying finding was that 39% of patients, perceived by their carers to be at the severe stage of the disease, were not taking any medication.

Alzheimer’s disease occurs most frequently in people aged 65 years and older and it is estimated by 2011 people in this age group will represent just over 14% of the population.