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     The stigma experienced by the family members of an individual with a stigmatized illness is defined by 3 dimensions:caregiver stigma, lay public stigma, and structural stigma. Research in the area of mental illness suggests that caregivers' perception of stigma is associated with increased burden. However, the effect of stigma on caregiver burden among those caring for a relative with Alzheimer's disease (AD) has yet to undergo theoretical and empirical testing. The aim of this study was to examine whether family stigma is a predictor of caregiver burden in the case of Alzheimer's disease.
     Structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with 185 adult child caregivers (75% female; mean age = 53 years) for persons with Alzheimer's disease. Caregiver stigma variables improved the prediction of caregiver burden by adding an additional 18% to the explained variance over and above the other covariates. The 2 caregiver stigma variables of shame and decreased involvement with caregiving were found to be the major contributing factors. Our findings show that caregiver stigma increases caregiver burden in the case of Alzheimer's disease. Using this knowledge, psychosocial interventions should target stigmatic beliefs in order to reduce caregiver burden.

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     RED BANK, N.J., March 22, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- More than 65 million people, most of them women, are providing care for a chronically ill, disabled or aged spouse, child, parent, relative or friend. To help these caregivers take care of their own health, as well as supporting the needs of their loved ones, HealthyWomen has launched a new Caregiving Health Center. The center contains a variety of tools and resources to help caregivers navigate insurance issues, understand assisted living options, recognize the need to take care of their own health and much more.

     "The millions of women caring for a loved one typically take on this responsibility in addition to their own work, household and family duties which can take an enormous toll on their own health," said Elizabeth Battaglino Cahill, RN, executive director of HealthyWomen. "Caregivers need to recognize that they won't be able to help their loved ones if they don't take care of their own mental and physical well-being."

     HealthyWomen believes that all caregivers deserve recognition for their efforts and so has established a "Caregiver of the Month" contest. Each month, one caregiver is recognized for her, or his, outstanding efforts and that person's story is featured on HealthyWomen.org. In addition, the caregiver receives a $75 gift card to enjoy some rest and relaxation on us! All entrants receive a certificate recognizing their efforts.

Maybe they could use the $75 gift card on their four-hour break!

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Alisa May

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COMM 1313

14 March 2012

Amanda Cuda.  (9  March). Report: Alzheimer's on the rise. McClatchy - Tribune Business News, 1.     Retrieved March 14, 2012, from ABI/INFORM Complete. (Document ID: 2605299061).

Alzheimer's Foundation of America Leader Presses for Forward Movement on National             Alzheimer's Plan. (19  January). PR Newswire, 1.  Retrieved March 14, 2012, from ABI/INFORM Complete. (Document ID: 2564466771).

Kelly Greene.  (2012, February 18). New Resources for Caregivers. Wall Street Journal (Online), 1.  Retrieved March 14, 2012, from ABI/INFORM Complete. (Document ID: 2588563641).

PARK, A. (2012). Health & Science. Time, 179(11), 14.

Werner, P., Mittelman, M., Goldstein, D., & Heinik, J.. (2012). Family Stigma and Caregiver Burden in Alzheimer's Disease. The Gerontologist, 52(1), 89. Retrieved March 14, 2012, from Research Library. (Document ID: 2579938881).

Interview

Alzheimer's Disease

Here are a couple of pictures that will show the image of the brain in different stages of Alzheimer's.