All About Alzheimer's Newsletter- Monday 6th April 2026

One concern that many caregivers mention is what would happen if their loved one fell or needed help when no one else was nearby.

Some families address this by putting a simple medical alert system in place so their loved one can call for help if needed.

We’ve partnered with Bay Alarm Medical so readers can explore one option if this is something they’ve been thinking about.

You can see how it works by clicking the link below, or speak directly with their team on 1-877-327-0779

Only available in the USA

Caring for someone living with dementia can be deeply meaningful. It can bring moments of connection, love, and purpose. But it can also be demanding, both physically and emotionally.

Stress is a normal part of caregiving. The key is recognising it early.

In this first part, we’re focusing on how to spot the signs of caregiver stress. In next week’s newsletter, we’ll share practical ways to help reduce it.

Supporting a loved one with dementia takes time, patience, and energy. Over time, that responsibility can build quietly. Often, the signs of stress appear gradually, making them easy to overlook.

Here are ten warning signs to be aware of.

You may find yourself downplaying the situation or hoping it will improve on its own. Thoughts like “everyone is overreacting” or “they’ll get better soon” can be a way of coping with difficult emotions.

You might feel frustrated with your loved one, yourself, or others. Repeated questions, changes in behaviour, or lack of support can lead to irritation that feels difficult to manage.

You may begin to pull away from friends, family, or activities you once enjoyed. Social interaction can feel like too much effort, or simply less important than caregiving.

You may feel a constant sense of worry about what lies ahead. Facing each day can feel overwhelming, especially when the future feels uncertain.

Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emotional heaviness can be a sign that stress is taking a deeper toll.

Caregiving can be physically and mentally draining. You may feel like you don’t have enough energy to get through the day, even after resting.

Interrupted sleep or waking frequently during the night can leave you feeling unrefreshed. Over time, this can make everything feel harder to manage.

You may notice increased irritability or find yourself becoming upset more easily. Small things can feel overwhelming when stress builds up.

You might struggle to focus, make decisions, or complete tasks that once felt straightforward.

Stress can affect your body as well as your mind. This might include weight changes, frequent illness, or ongoing issues such as headaches, back pain, or high blood pressure.

If you recognise some of these signs in yourself, it’s important to know that you are not alone. Many caregivers experience these feelings at different stages of the journey.

Reaching out for support, whether that’s speaking to your GP, a support service, or someone you trust, can make a meaningful difference.

Next week, we’ll share practical ways to help reduce caregiver stress and support your wellbeing.

💙 Taking care of yourself is not separate from caregiving. It is part of it.

If this story resonates with you, you are not alone.

We share regular insights on our YouTube channel, covering topics such as caregiver guilt, emotional overwhelm, and the realities of caring for a loved one with dementia.

These videos are designed to support you with honest guidance and reassurance when you need it most.

Every week, we share an honest story from a caregiver — the things most people are too afraid to say out loud.

Thank you for sharing this. What you are describing is something many caregivers experience, even if it often goes unspoken.

Changes in behaviour and social awareness are common in dementia. The parts of the brain that help regulate what is socially appropriate can be affected, which means your dad may say things he would never have said before. This is not intentional, and it is not a reflection of who he has been.

Being in public can add another layer of pressure. You are not only supporting your dad, but also managing how others respond, often in real time. That can feel exposing and overwhelming.

It can help to remind yourself that you are doing your best in a situation that is unpredictable. Some carers find it useful to have a simple phrase ready, or to gently redirect the conversation without drawing attention to it.

Avoiding going out can feel like a short term solution, but over time it can lead to increased isolation for both of you. Finding environments that feel more comfortable or quieter settings may help rebuild confidence.

The discomfort you feel is understandable. It reflects how much you care about preserving your dad’s dignity as well as your own.

You are not alone in navigating this. Many carers face similar moments, even if it does not always look that way from the outside.

Harvey

If something’s been on your heart lately, let us know. We read every word. Your voice could offer comfort to someone else navigating the same journey.

Over the past year, I’ve been speaking more with companies about something that keeps coming up — how many employees are quietly balancing work with caring for a parent or loved one.

In many cases, its affecting stress, focus, and even whether people stay in their roles.

I’ve recently started working with a small number of organisations to support these employees in a simple, structured way — without adding pressure to HR teams.

If you work at a company where this might be relevant (or know someone in HR/People teams), feel free to reply and I can share more.

_{At All About Alzheimer's we're dementia professionals but we're not medical doctors or lawyers. The information we provide is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical or legal advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for medical diagnoses, treatment or any health related concerns and consult with a lawyer on any legal issue.}

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