When caring for older adults, also pay attention to your own memory changes.
People who provide unpaid care for older adults often help with bathing, dressing, running errands, and managing money. A U.S. survey shows that some caregivers themselves also notice their memory getting worse. When caring for others, don't exhaust yourself; healthy living, regular doctor visits, and early consultation when changes are noticed are equally important.
Machine translation of our Chinese article, without human translation review. Suggestions concerning China remain specific to China.
Chinese fact summaries and suggestions for China (not a full translation)
Original: Fast Facts: Memory Loss Among Caregivers | Caregiving | CDC · Original language: en
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Facts from the sources
In the United States, about six in ten unpaid caregivers of adults aged 50 and older help with household tasks such as dressing or bathing. View source
In the United States, nearly all unpaid caregivers of adults aged 50 and older help with at least one key daily activity, such as transportation or managing finances. View source
A CDC study in the United States found that about one in eight unpaid caregivers aged 45 and older experience worsening confusion or memory loss. View source
Caregivers can choose a healthy lifestyle to lower their risk of memory loss, including seeing a doctor regularly, staying physically active, eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, drinking little or no alcohol, and not smoking. View source
To avoid extra stress, caregivers should make these lifestyle changes gradually. View source
If caregivers notice changes in their own memory, they should talk to a healthcare provider. View source
For older people and families
Helping older adults bathe, dress, manage money, and run errands is demanding work, so arrange rest for yourself.
Go to the hospital for regular checkups every so often, have your blood pressure and blood sugar measured, and don't focus only on the older adult's illness.
Try to eat regularly, with a balance of meat and vegetables, and don't make do with leftovers.
Go out for a walk every day; even fifteen minutes counts as activity.
Get enough sleep at night; a short nap at noon is also fine. Don't force yourself to keep going.
Drink less alcohol and don't smoke; both smoking and drinking harm the brain.
Change habits step by step; don't add too many tasks for yourself at once.
If you find yourself always forgetting things or stumbling over words, see a doctor; don't bear it alone.
See what care and community teams can do
Provide regular health lectures for caregivers covering memory changes and early recognition methods.
Carry out caregiver stress assessments in the community, and promptly refer those at high risk.
Organize mutual support groups to let caregivers share stress-reduction experiences and reduce feelings of isolation.
Provide temporary respite care or adult day care services to give caregivers time for checkups and rest.
Promote the idea of "changing lifestyle gradually" to keep caregivers from increasing their burden by trying to do too much too quickly.
Add questions about memory problems to health screenings, and remind caregivers to proactively report changes to their doctors.
Provide healthcare workers with a caregiver health education checklist and treat caregivers themselves as service recipients.
Cooperate with local hospitals to establish memory consultation and referral pathways for caregivers.
What needs local assessment
The data cited in this article come from U.S. surveys and are for reference only; they do not represent the situation in China, nor do they equal the actual risk to you or your family. The proportion of caregivers who experience memory problems does not mean it will happen to everyone. A healthy lifestyle is general advice; consult a doctor or nutritionist for specific practices. If you notice changes in your own memory, seek evaluation at a qualified medical institution and do not self-diagnose. Fact source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Source: CDC). The original material is available free of charge on the CDC website. This website and its localized recommendations do not represent endorsement by the CDC, HHS, or the U.S. government; their images or logos have not been reproduced.
Sources
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Was this article helpful?
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