New Alzheimer's Disease Survey Reveals Children of Sandwich Caregivers Assist With Loved ...( Three in Five Caregivers Say Their C...),Health

Three in Five Caregivers Say Their Children Help Care for Loved Ones With

Alzheimer's Disease

NEW YORK, March 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Results from the third annual Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) ICAN: Investigating Caregivers' Attitudes and Needs Survey suggest that Alzheimer's disease care is a family affair. Most "sandwich caregivers" -- the parents or guardians of children under 21 who also care for an aging parent, other relative or friend with Alzheimer's disease -- say their children are assisting with caregiving responsibilities that range from attending doctors' appointments to feeding and dressing their loved ones.

Survey results released today found that about three in five caregivers say their children aged 8 to 21 are involved in caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease. Of the caregivers who feel they do a good job balancing the care of their loved ones with Alzheimer's disease and children under 21, more than one-third (36%) specifically cited support from children as a contributor to their success.

Among children, ages 8-21, who are involved in caregiving, many are reported as taking on significant tasks:

-- About one-third of young adults (ages 18-21) assist with doctors'

appointments;

-- 42% of young adults assist with transporting loved ones with

Alzheimer's disease;

-- About one-quarter of young adults and teens (ages 13-17) assist with

activities of daily living, such as feeding and dressing;

-- Nearly 90% of pre-teens (ages 8-12) visit and entertain a loved one

with Alzheimer's disease (please use caution when interpreting results

due to small base size);

-- Approximately 85% of teens pay visits to the person with the disease.

"Taking care of someone with Alzheimer's disease can be an enormous drain on the caregiver and on family resources. For sandwich caregivers the problem is even more acu
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