Taking care of someone with Alzheimer's disease can be a 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week job. If you try to do everything yourself, eventually you'll get burned out. Caregivers are at higher risk for: Depression Alcohol and drug use Poor sleep and diet Chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease Headaches and other aches and pains Before the stress can make you sick, ask friends, neighbors, or family members to take over some of the work. When you ask for