Who’s caring for the CARERS?

Just the idea of a close friend or family member being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s can strike fear into many of us. But, if you’re one of the 700,000 informal carers in the UK looking after someone at home, that nightmare is your daily reality. ‘It’s almost like a bereavement,’ says lead psychiatrist Dr Arghya Sarkhel (livingmind.co.uk). ‘You’re losing your near and dear ones, and yet they are fully conscious and can talk, even if they don’t make sense at times.’

Alzheimer’s commonly leads to dementia symptoms including memory loss, difficulties with language and problem-solving, and gradually those affected are unable to look after themselves. Of all the UK’s unpaid carers, 11%* are looking after loved ones with a type of dementia, and it can be an emotional rollercoaster. ‘Helplessness, sadness and anxiety are all