Older adults and caregiving

Mental health in later life: dementia, late-life depression and the strain of caring for a loved one.

• Caregiver burnoutCaregiver burnout is a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion that can develop when caring for a loved one who is ill, disabled or aging, especially over a long period without enough support. It is common, it is not a sign of failure, and recognizing it early makes it easier to protect both you and the person you care for.
• Dementia and Alzheimer'sDementia is an umbrella term for a group of conditions that cause a progressive decline in memory, thinking, reasoning, language or behavior severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause, but there are others. Dementia is not a normal part of aging, and early assessment can help people and families plan, access support and treat any reversible causes.
• Depression in older adultsDepression in older adults, also called late-life or geriatric depression, is a mood disorder that affects people in their later years. It is not a normal part of aging, though it is often missed because symptoms can be mistaken for physical illness, grief or memory problems. Late-life depression is treatable, and improvement is possible at any age.