FRIDAY, Oct. 15, 2010 (HealthDay News) -- Family caregivers' greatest concerns about the progression of a loved one's Alzheimer's disease are memory loss (41 percent), personal safety (33 percent) and confusion (27 percent), finds a new survey.
The poll of 524 caregivers also found that 67 percent named at least one cognitive (or thinking skills') change in their loved one as a main concern; 55 percent said caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's has taken a toll on their own health; and 60 percent said they felt overwhelmed.
Male caregivers were more concerned about memory loss than women -- 50 percent versus 37 percent.
The survey was conducted by Harris Interactive in September for drug makers Eisai Inc. and Pfizer Inc., in partnership with the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA).
Among the other findings about issues caregivers face:
"These survey results reveal that changes in cognition as the disease progresses were an important concern among caregivers. We encourage caregivers and health care professionals to discuss these changes and any others during regular visits," Eric J. Hall, president and CEO of the AFA, said in a Harris Interactive news release.
More information
The U.S. National Institute on Aging has more about Alzheimer's disease.