Caring for caregivers, too

To the editor,

Thank you, Riverdale Press, for your editorial comment during the Nov. 6 edition. The paper reminded readers that Alzheimer’s disease affects not only those who suffer from it, but the family and friends who care for them during the.

That is why we at the Montefiore-Einstein Center of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease, supported by the New York State Department of Health, consider all our patients and their caregivers to be part of a dyad—two individuals who require both care and support.

As your editorial points out, there is also a role for friends and neighbors and community members to play, not only by supporting organizations and research, but by providing compassion and comfort to the dyad in any way they can.

Here are some ways to help: You can ask if the caregiver needs assistance with grocery shopping or meal preparation; if you can, offer to help with transportation to doctors’ appointments; and from time to time, volunteer to give the caregiver some time off by staying with the patient yourself for short periods.

We need to approach the caregiver-patient journey together, as you have so poignantly highlighted.

Jessica Zwerling, MD, MS