Fact 9: The Impact of Alzheimer’s and Vascular Dementia
Alzheimer’s and VaD don’t just affect the individuals diagnosed with these conditions – their impact ripples out, touching families, communities, and society at large. For caregivers, this can mean adjusting to new roles, managingadditional responsibilities, and dealing with the emotional impact of seeing a loved one’s cognitive abilities decline.
The emotional impact of these diseases is profound. Loved ones may grapple with feelings of loss as they see the person they knew change and decline. They may also face feelings of guilt, anger, and helplessness. Support for caregivers, such as counselling and support groups, can play a critical role in helping them navigate these emotional challenges.
Financially, the cost of care for Alzheimer’s and VaD can be significant. This includes both direct costs, such as medical care and medications, and indirect costs like lost productivity. Society also bears these costs, with the health care system and social services often shouldering a significant portion of the burden. (9)
