Fans of Hollywood star Bruce Willis were shocked when the actor was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia several years ago. Dementia significantly affects a person’s cognitive abilities, including memory and communication skills. Research published in Nature Medicine revealed that about 500,000 new dementia cases occur each year in the United States. The caregivers working behind the scenes, dealing with the loss of the person they once knew, often go unnoticed, which can make the disease even more tragic.

Many caregivers suddenly find themselves in the role without any guidance on how to handle the conditions affecting their loved ones. A 2025 report by AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving states that 63 million Americans serve as family caregivers, providing care for an adult or child with a complex disability or medical condition. Caregivers play a vital role in the care process. However, the responsibility of caring for someone else can cause their own lives to fall to the background. Indeed, caregivers face numerous challenges when caring for a loved one affected by dementia.

Financial Burden:

A caregiver may careneed to quit their job or work fewer hours to look for a loved one. A report titled “Caring for Carers: The Financial Strain of Caring, Family Matters” noted that caregivers have a 20% lower employment rate than non-carers. A decrease in income can also be worsened by the cost of hiring paid caregiving services, which lowers the need for family caregivers to take time off.

Physical health concerns:

Caregiving can involve long hours and tasks that require strength and endurance. There is a risk of injury when lifting a loved one onto or out of a bed or chair. Lost sleep may occur when tending to a loved one in the middle of the night. Fatigue and stress can weaken the immune system, increasing caregivers’ risk of illness.

Mental health concerns:

Caregivers often go through a whirlwind of emotions that can affect their well-being. It is difficult to witness a loved one suffering from an illness or disability or to face the reality of mortality every day. Prolonged stress might lead caregivers to use alcohol or drugs to cope. They may feel helpless and could even fall into depression. The National Library of Medicine states that clinical research shows that assuming a caregiving role can be stressful and burdensome, exhibiting all the characteristics of a chronic stress experience. Research consistently demonstrates that caregivers face negative effects on their psychological health.

Family challenges:

Caregivers may encounter difficulties in their relationships with children and spouses. They often need to shift focus from their own family’s needs to tend to someone else’s. Although others might recognize the importance of caregiving, they may also feel neglected or believe their own needs are less significant.

Caregiving is a noble pursuit that presents unique challenges. During this tough time, caregivers must have their own support systems in place.