Key points
- Many unpaid caregivers have, or are at risk of developing, worsening memory loss, which can be an early sign of dementia.
- Caregivers can make healthy lifestyle choices to reduce their risk of memory loss.
South Mountain Memory Care, located in Emmaus, PA, near Allentown and in the Lehigh Valley, offers a monthly Caregiver Support Group, a vital part of a dementia caregiver’s journey. Read the details here.
Importance of caregivers
Millions of adults rely on unpaid caregivers to stay independent.
- As the population ages, more family and friends are likely to become caregivers.
Among caregivers of adults 50 and older:
- About 6 in 10 help with household tasks, like getting dressed or bathing.
- Nearly all help with at least one critical activity of daily living, like transportation or managing finances.
Memory loss in caregivers
A CDC study found that about 1 in 8 unpaid caregivers who are 45 or older experience worsening confusion or memory loss.
- Memory loss was more common in caregivers than non-caregivers.
- Caregivers between ages 45 and 64 were more likely to report worsening memory loss than non-caregivers of the same age group.
Caregivers with worsening memory loss often have at least one chronic health condition, putting them at risk of needing care themselves.
Memory loss can affect a caregiver’s ability to care for themselves and their loved ones.
- Memory loss can affect the quality of their caregiving, which often requires clear thinking.
Reducing the risk of memory loss
Caregivers can reduce their risk for memory loss by making positive lifestyle choices:
- Seeing a doctor regularly.
- Being physically active.
- Eating healthy meals.
- Getting enough sleep.
- Drinking less alcohol or choosing not to drink.
- Not smoking.
To avoid extra stress, caregivers should make these changes gradually.
It’s also important for caregivers to talk to a healthcare provider if they notice changes in their memory.
- Healthcare providers can help identify potentially reversible or treatable causes or detect dementia early to reduce the impact of the disease.
Resources
- Caregivers of a Person with Alzheimer’s Disease or a Related Dementia
- Public Health Center of Excellence on Dementia Caregiving
- Reducing Risk for Dementia
Whatever the cause of your or your loved one’s memory issues, South Mountain Memory Care, with our unique culture, “small house” model, and abundance of certified caregivers, offers you the peace of mind of knowing your loved one will be cared for as if they were our family—which they are!
South Mountain Memory Care is committed to providing individualized, compassionate care to support our residents in achieving a well-balanced lifestyle. We strive to allow our residents to remain independent while emphasizing safety. Our focus is to enrich their life—mind, body, and spirit—by bringing new initiatives into their day-to-day regimen while maintaining the activities they find comfort in. South Mountain Memory Care offers the peace of mind you deserve. When it comes to those you care so deeply about, we understand because we care, too.
Information courtesy of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, accessed February 13, 2025.