Family members of aging parents who have dementia or Alzheimer's Disease have a difficult job.  Individuals with dementia and Alzheimer's often show changes in personality, emotions, and social behavior.  These changes are common symptoms of the disease and occur with the cognitive decline.  Family members often feel a sense of ambivalence, having both positive and negative feelings toward their aging parents.  In a 2007 USA TODAY/ABC News/Gallup poll, "Slightly less than half of those [family members] providing help say it has caused them some stress or a great deal of stress." (USA TODAY/ABC News/Gallup poll, May 24-June 3, 2007).  Feelings of anger, resentment, and guilt are all common among family caregivers.  Lack of assistance and support from other family members and lack of time can all contribute to these feelings.  This person is your mother or father whom you love, and your feelings of anger and resentment can cause feelings of immense guilt.  Family members often express depression and a sense of sadness watching their once independent and capable parent decline.
You are not alone!  Most family members caregiving for a parent of dementia or Alzheimer's express these same feelings.  It's important to care for yourself!
Here are a few tips for caring for yourself:
1.  Take time for yourself!  Set aside time each week to go to a movie, out to dinner with a friend, shop by yourself, take a yoga class, read, golf, enjoy time by doing your favorite hobby, etc.
2.  Deep breathing exercises.  When your loved one has you frustrated, try to take deep breathes and de-stress.
3.  Set up a schedule with other family members to help out with mom/dad.
4.  Enlist the help of friends, neighbors, church members, etc. 
5.  Maintain connections with friends and your community.  Caregivers often isolated themselves from others and focus all time on mom/dad.
6.  Join a caregiver support group.  See the Alzheimer's Association for local support group information. 
7.  Educate yourself.  Learning about dementia and Alzheimer's Disease will help you understand the impact of cognitive decline on everyone involved.
8.  Call on a geriatric care manager for assistance.
9.  Be aware of your stress level.  Know your stress level and know when it's time for a break.
10.  Don't be afraid to ask for help.  Caregiving is a 24/7 job and even the best caregiver needs a break!