Alzheimer's carries heavy price for patient and caregivers | Opinion

In American culture, we have long feared aging and death. Other cultures have a different take: They honor and admire the elderly and even celebrate the end of life. For many of us in America, the end of life stage brings sadness, stress and fear. But perhaps we can learn from those other cultures that take a healthier approach. 

One major factor that influences our perception about aging is the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease – a condition that impacts more than five million Americans, and is the sixth-leading cause of death in America today. November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month and it gives us all an opportunity to consider the aging process, the impact of this cruel disease, and ways in which we can improve the quality of life for all seniors, including those not affected by Alzheimer’s. 

Watching a parent or loved one lose their ability to function on the most basic levels is heartbreaking. It can feel like losing someone piece by piece. Many children of elderly parents fear the moment when their mother or father, suffering from Alzheimer’s, no longer recognizes their own children or grandchildren.

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Families are not only left with the challenges of caring for a loved one who gradually becomes incapable of caring for themselves, but they also may face a confusing maze of medical care and jargon that is daunting, to say the least. The impact of Alzheimer’s, while certainly hardest on the sufferer, touches every member of the family. 

Another population that must be included in this conversation are the family caregivers – sons, daughters, spouses, other relatives and friends who work tirelessly to care for loved ones while also balancing daily schedules, jobs and more. We have come to know many adult children of seniors as members of the “sandwich” generation – sandwiched between caring for their own children and their parent/parents. It is believed that an estimated 1.5 million Americans provide unpaid care for a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s or other dementias.  

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, deaths from Alzheimer’s since 2000 have increased 89 percent. Although medical research has yielded some advances in medicine, the disease remains largely a mystery, particularly because it often affects each person differently and can be unpredictable. Although advanced treatments, medications and even a potential cure may be a long way off, there is still hope. That hope can be found in community resources that can improve quality of life for the person with Alzheimer's and their family members. 

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Jewish Family & Career Services has knowledge and experience in senior care and provides a number of programs and services designed to improve quality of life, maintain safety and preserve the dignity of those challenged with the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s. 

We serve family caregivers through our support groups, training, counseling and respite services. We honor family caregivers on Monday, Nov. 13 with our Caregiver Survival Workshop.  To learn more about this event and the broad range of senior care services offered by Jewish Family & Career Services, visit the website at jfcslouisville.org.  

The end of life often brings challenges to every family dealing with the physical and cognitive decline of a loved one.  But it’s important for people to remember the community resources that are available that can bring hope, dignity and hands-on assistance.

Mauri Malka is director of Family Services with Jewish Family & Career Services.