Is dementia contagious, and who takes care of the caregivers?
- Dr. Nati Blum
- Published in Dorot magazine, issue 243
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Maintaining resilience when dealing with dementia soon
When a loved one has dementia, those who shoulder the burden of care often pay the price. Family caregivers are required to exert extraordinary mental and physical strength – but could it be that they themselves are also suffering? The effects are the result of chronic stress, burnout, inadequate sleep, and sometimes – neglect of their own health.
Dementia doesn't spread through the air – but...
Dementia is not a contagious disease, but studies Show Surprisingly, cognitive decline also accelerates in caregivers of spouses with dementia. A study that followed 1,255 couples for eight years found that people who cared for a spouse with dementia or Alzheimer's were themselves twice as cognitively impaired as people who cared for spouses who only had a physical disability. Similar findings were demonstrated in another study involving couples whose spouse had dementia: The caregivers showed functional slowness, memory changes, and higher levels of burnout.
What causes it? Chronic stress is thought to cause fatigue and hormonal disruptions, but depression and sleep disorders also contribute cumulatively to brain and physical damage. In other words, dementia is not “contagious,” but the caregiver may pay a heavy price with their health.
Who treats caregivers in Israel too?
- Family members: In Israel, there are about 150,00 families with dementia, and most often the person with dementia is cared for by their spouse (aged 65+) or children (usually between 40-60). According to a survey we conducted among about 300 family caregivers, two-thirds of the caregivers are women – the spouses or daughters of the person with dementia. They provide care 24/7, and the burden can lead to psychological and physical burnout, memory impairment, and even depression.
- Israeli employed caregivers: Over 80,000 Israeli caregivers are employed in the home care industry. Women aged 45+, many of them from low socioeconomic status, constitute an important backbone. They work shifts, deal with physical and bureaucratic burdens, low pay, and lack of support – leading to high caregiver turnover and impaired continuity of care.
- Foreign caregivers: Currently, approximately 60 foreign workers are employed in the home care industry in Israel. Most of them are women (80%), who come to live with the elderly and are sometimes affected themselves by social distancing, language and cultural gaps, and even burnout or a sense of loneliness. There are also problems with the support envelope – vacations, security, and an unorganized caregiver exchange system.
Essential tips for nursing mothers
- Cognitive and emotional therapy: Periodic cognitive tests (for example, administering symptoms such as PHQ 9), guidance from geriatric doctors, and psychological support (psychologist).
- pauses (Respite): It is important to provide for brief exposures to blinding, in which someone else will care for the elderly person with dementia – other family members, day care centers, professional caregivers, etc.
- Social resilience: Joining support groups, receiving emotional support and learning coping strategies. You can join support groups of the EMDA Association Pronality וZoom, all over the country.
- Practical toolsTreatment courses, home training, medication management – available through National Insurance and “Shaked” centers.
- Work and flexibility: Legitimizing temporary suspension from work, receiving care allowances, coordinating flexible work hours, and maintaining an economic safety net.
- Self-health: Take care of sleep, nutrition, physical activity – during shifts, take breaks and maintain routine medical checkups.
- Technology adoption: Sensors and an inflatable fall belt, medication apps, companion robots, and telemedicine services – for companionship and peace of mind.
How will we also support paid caregivers?
- Professional training: Physiotherapy, dealing with dementia-related behaviors, and more.
- Open communication with family: To facilitate the safety of all parties.
- Appreciation and recognition: Giving a kind word and constant encouragement are critical to mental resilience
- Fair wage: To encourage continuity and well-being.
- The rest period system is organized.: For both foreign workers and Israeli caregivers
In conclusion
Dementia is not physically contagious., but the burden of care involves mental, physical and cognitive damage – for the caregivers themselves. Research shows that the rate of deterioration in caregivers may be double that of non-caregivers. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to have real support provided not only to family members – but also to hired and foreign caregivers – through support systems, education, vacations, and the integration of technology.
Key tip
Invest in yourself as much as you invest in the patient.
Only in this way can you continue to care with love and efficiency, while maintaining resilience and quality of life.
At EMDA, we offer a helpline at *8889 , support groups, workshops, emotional support, practical guidance, and personal guidance for families. All so that no one feels alone.
Dr. Nati Blum She is the CEO. EMDA Association and holds a PhD in Psychology from the University of Sacramento. Her doctoral dissertation focused on face-to-face group therapy versus virtual group therapy. In her role at EMDA, she harnesses her professional and managerial experience to lead efforts to improve the quality of life of those dealing with dementia, promote their rights, and raise public awareness of the phenomenon in Israel.