Concern Growing For Overwhelmed Caregivers Of Oklahomans With Alzheimer's

This month is Alzheimer's awareness month and experts say there is a concern that caregivers are getting overwhelmed.

The fight against Alzheimer's isn't just for the ones who have been diagnosed, it can seriously impact caregivers too. So, experts say being informed is one of the best ways to tackle the issue.

Along with November being Alzheimer's Awareness Month, It is also Family Caregivers month.

According to the Alzheimer's Association, over 67,000 Oklahomans are living with the mind-robbing disease.

Statistics show caring for a loved one can also be stressful. Right now, there are 129,000 unpaid caregivers in Oklahoma.

Beverly Baul is a caregiver who has had members from both sides of her family live with Alzheimer's.

She says she's been to more funerals for caregivers than Alzheimer's patients.

"Sometimes, they are so bogged down with trying to care for their loved ones, that they don't get the rest and the care that they need for themselves personally," Baul said.

Dr. Terence Grewe is a Family Physician at Utica Park Clinic.

He says there is still no cure for the disease, so the best thing to do is catch it early to better manage symptoms.

"Early recognition of Alzheimer's and some early treatment, can at least prolong the early stages of it so that the person is able to function better at home with their family, rather than at someplace like a facility or a nursing home," Grewe said.

Baul says being a caregiver is not and should not be a job done alone.

She says offering a helping hand can be what a caregiver needs the most.

"They need that break," Baul said. "Whether it's an hour...two hours....whatever you can give them. I think that's very important."

If you need information or advice on being a caregiver, call the Alzheimer's Association number at 1-800-272-3900.