New Alzheimer's Disease Survey Reveals Children of Sandwich Caregivers Assist With Loved ...(te. It is clear that caregiving is amult...),Health

Due to the number of teenagers in caregiving roles, AFA recently stepped up its AFA Teens division, which educates and provides resources for these youngsters. AFA introduced a newly designed Web site, http://www.afateens.org, specifically for teens and the first of its kind "AFA Teens for Alzheimer's Awareness College Scholarship." The organization is also starting up AFA Teens chapters nationwide.

CAREGIVERS WANT MORE SUPPORT - FOR THEMSELVES AND THEIR CHILDREN

It is estimated that the 5.7 million Americans(1) caring for aging relatives and loved ones also have children whom they care for. With the United States population aging rapidly, the need for family caregivers will markedly increase in the years ahead.(2)

-- 70% of sandwich caregivers said they need more help caring for the

person with Alzheimer's disease as compared to 33% who say they need

more help with their children.

-- Nearly two-thirds (63%) would like more information about how to help

their children cope when a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer's

disease.

"A segment of young adults and teens assist with managing the daily needs of individuals with Alzheimer's disease, and a small percent are even called upon to make informed decisions about treatment. It's crucial that they have access to good information sources," said Lesley Blake, M.D., clinical associate professor of psychiatry, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. "As Alzheimer's disease progresses, declines in cognition, function and behavior worsen. Both adult and non-adult caregivers need to be educated about what to expect and, more im
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