HealthTree Blog

Although there has been a significant change in men’s roles over the last few decades, the role of men as caregivers is still rather new. However, as more and more men’s roles start to include caring for a spouse, especially one who suffers from Alzheimer’s, we can expect to hear more about it.
Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disease, mainly characterized by memory loss, although other symptoms can be present. As the disease worsens, the patient becomes more and more unable to care for herself. When this occurs, caregivers are often needed, and sometimes they are the male spouse.
It is unknown exactly what causes Alzheimer’s, but some of the factors believed to possibly be responsible include age, genetics, and high blood pressure and/or high cholesterol.
A true physical diagnosis of Alzheimer’s cannot be made until after death, when the brain can be removed during an autopsy and studied for the specific brain changes that occur during the disease. However, a number of factors, including memory loss and other symptoms are taken into consideration when a health care professional makes a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s.
No matter what the cause, or when it is diagnosed, when Alzheimer’s strikes, it clearly has an effect on both women’s and men’s roles in daily life. Men who find that they are acting as caregivers may have to learn to do things that were otherwise done by wives. This can include such things as cooking, doing laundry, and maintaining the home.
When the person suffering from Alzheimer’s is a beloved wife, most men are not likely to worry about whether or not they are behaving in a manner that befits men’s roles. Their only concern should be, and most likely is, care for their spouse.