Virginia Tech CareEx research study looking for caregivers of family members with dementia

By David Winship Are you helping a relative who has memory problems? Family caregivers make a profound impact, providing emotional support, hands-on care and strength that often go unseen.  Much attention and many studies have addressed the situation and difficulties faced in managing dementia of a spouse, partner or parent. November is National Family Caregivers Month, recognizing their contributions, spreading awareness, and showing gratitude. The Center for Gerontology at Virginia Tech is conducting a study of the response experiences of other relatives to the individuals encountering and enduring dementia. These extended relatives include siblings and their children, grandchildren, or step-kin.  “In the last decades, we’ve seen societal changes such as longer lifespans, more people choosing not to have children and/or marry, and more blended families, such as second marriages and stepfamilies. Although many people have spouses and adult children to help them cope with memory problems, it’s important to understand the situations of people who may not have an adult child or spouse to rely on,” said Dr. Brandy Renee McCann, lead researcher and contact for the CareEx project.  The CareEx research study is designed to understand the experiences of extended or non-immediate family members who help a relative living...