New Report Finds Growing Caregiver Burden in California

The Alzheimer's Association's 2023 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures report finds that the burden on California Alzheimer's and dementia caregivers remains significant. The report shows there were an estimated 1,374,000 dementia family caregivers across the state in 2022, providing 1,864,000,000 hours of unpaid care valued at $44,277,000,000.

The new report also reveals that California caregivers and those across the country face significant emotional, physical and health-related challenges as result of caregiving as well, including:

• Dementia caregivers report higher rates of chronic conditions, including stroke, heart disease, diabetes and cancer, compared to caregivers of people without dementia or non-caregivers. In California, 61% of caregivers reported at least one chronic condition.

• The prevalence of depression is higher among dementia caregivers when compared to caregivers for other conditions. In California, 18.6% of caregivers reported depression.

• Seventy-four percent of dementia caregivers report they are "somewhat concerned" to "very concerned" about maintaining their own health since becoming a caregiver. In California, 13.1% report frequent poor physical health.

• Across the country, 59% of dementia caregivers report high to very high emotional stress due to caregiving, and 38% report high to very high physical stress due to caregiving.

"This year's Facts and Figures report underscores the considerable physical and emotional toll California caregivers experience when caring for someone living with Alzheimer's," said Meg Barron, MA, regional leader and executive director of the Alzheimer's Association California Southland Chapter. "It clearly underlines the need for caregiver support in California The Alzheimer's Association offers free local support throughout our state including support groups, education as well as the Association's 24/7 Helpline. This support can be a lifeline to caregivers."

Support for Caregivers

• Call the Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900;

• Visit http://www.alz.org to learn more about Alzheimer's disease, research and resources; and

• AlzConnected, a free online community designed for people living with dementia and those who care for them.

The Walk to End Alzheimer's

Everyone across Tulare and Kings County is encouraged to participate in the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's, the world's largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's care, support and research.

The Walk to End Alzheimer's Tulare & Kings County takes place on Sunday, August 20, at Valley Strong Ballpark, 300 N. Giddings St., Visalia. Registration for the walk is at alz.org/walk.

On Walk Day, participants honor those affected by Alzheimer's with the poignant Promise Garden Ceremony - a mission-focused experience that signifies solidarity in the fight against the disease.

"We need all of Tulare and Kings to support this great cause," said Barron. "Alzheimer's is a progressive, fatal disease and, although there is no cure, we are fighting until there is one."

To register and receive the latest updates on this year's Walk to End Alzheimer's, visit alz.org/walk. To reach the Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline, with services available in more than 200 languages, call 800-272-3900. The Helpline will also connect you to local support resources.

The Alzheimer's Association

The Alzheimer's Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer's care, support and research. Its mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia - by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Its vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia.

For more information, visit alz.org.