Download Survey in English (286K PDF)
Download Tips to Communicate with Loved One in English (247K PDF)

Download Survey in Spanish (286K PDF)
Download Tips to Communicate with Loved One in Spanish (247K PDF)

A new survey released by the National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA) and Forest Laboratories, Inc. reveals what family caregivers fear most: first, their loved one's general health and physical decline, and second, the fear that Alzheimer's will take away their loved one's ability to communicate. Communication decline with their loved ones is not just a fear but a major source of stress, and also interferes with their ability to fulfill responsibilities/obligations as a caregiver.

"Caregiving is incredibly stressful, and also very lonely and isolating, particularly with Alzheimer's disease when the loved one gradually loses the ability to communicate effectively," said Suzanne Mintz, president and chief executive officer of NFCA. "Caregivers have to improvise and find new ways to connect with their loved ones – whether it's on an emotional level or about more practical matters."

Conversations about emotions, medical decisions, insomnia/sleep disturbances, personal hygiene and medications are the most difficult, with over half saying they are "not very" or "not at all" able to communicate effectively on these issues. As a result, the majority of caregivers say they are decreasing their attempts at two-way communication with their loved ones.

Despite the stress associated with communicating, most caregivers surveyed adopted new ways to communicate with the person they care for (71 percent) and feel they have become better communicators themselves (76 percent). The most common alternative methods include observing facial expressions (84 percent) and body language (79 percent) and using pictures/photos (66 percent).

"Men and women responded similarly to the questions in the survey, with small differences," said Mintz. "One difference was that nearly all females – 92 percent – caring for male patients rely on observing facial expressions to communicate. In contrast, 82% of males who care for female patients rely on observing facial expressions to communicate."

It is estimated that 5.4 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease and are being cared for by nearly 15 million unpaid caregivers -- including family, friends, partners and neighbors. Often the equivalent of a full-time job, 80 percent of at-home care for people with Alzheimer's or another dementia is provided by family caregivers.

"The experiences of today's family caregivers and the tools they are using to adapt are very important for all Americans to learn about," said Mintz. "With Alzheimer's disease on the rise, many people could be a caregiver starting tomorrow."

Content sponsored by Forest Laboratories, Inc.