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Mujer de 65 años, jubilada, es la cuidadora principal de su esposo con enfermedad de Alzheimer en fase avanzada. Tiene antecedentes de hipertensión arterial (2012) y diabetes mellitus tipo II (2013). En controles recientes presenta cifras elevadas de presión arterial (160/103 mmHg), glucemia (205 mg/dL) y hemoglobina glicosilada (7.8%).
Refiere sentirse nerviosa, con taquicardias y abrumada por el deterioro de su esposo. Aunque es independiente en sus actividades, asume tareas de cuidado exigentes. Su estado de salud se ha visto afectado: fuma más (15 cigarrillos diarios), tiene una dieta poco saludable, ha ganado peso y no realiza ejercicio. Se siente aislada y ha reducido sus actividades sociales.
El caso refleja una clara sobrecarga del rol del cuidador, con impacto físico, emocional y social. Esta condición es común en quienes cuidan a pacientes con enfermedades crónicas progresivas como el Alzheimer.
A 65-year-old retired woman is the primary caregiver for her husband, who is in an advanced stage of Alzheimer’s disease. She has a history of essential hypertension (diagnosed in 2012) and type II diabetes mellitus (diagnosed in 2013). Recent check-ups show elevated blood pressure (160/103 mmHg), blood glucose (205 mg/dL), and glycated hemoglobin (7.8%).
She reports feeling nervous, experiencing palpitations, and being overwhelmed by her husband’s worsening condition. Although she remains independent in her daily activities, the demands of caregiving have negatively affected her health. She is smoking more (15 cigarettes daily), follows an unhealthy diet, has gained weight, and does not exercise. She also feels socially isolated and no longer participates in outside activities.
This case clearly illustrates caregiver burden, a condition that often affects those caring for individuals with chronic progressive diseases such as Alzheimer’s, impacting their physical, emotional, and social well-being.
