Caring for someone who has Alzheimer’s disease can be emotionally and physically demanding, and the stress of the caregiver can often be overlooked. Mary S. Mittelman, DrPH, director of the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Family Support Program and research professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Rusk Rehabilitation at NYU Langone, spoke with The New York Times about helping with memory loss, changes in mood or mental health issues, and the importance of self-care.

“Our research has found that the emotional and practical support received from family and friends leads to significantly fewer symptoms of depression and stress and better physical health of caregivers,” says Dr. Mittelman. Caregivers with good support systems have also been shown to be able to keep relatives with dementia at home for a year and a half longer than those who did not receive support.

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