Phyllis Sands

Phyllis explains that the pain hasn't gone away, but she now deals with it in a new light.

Norman and Phyllis Sands were the ultimate Chicago Cubs fans. So when they moved to Scottsdale in 1997 from their native Chicago, they spent many a sunny afternoon at HoHoKam Park in Mesa during the Cubs spring training.

"We didn't miss many games," says the 71-year-old Phyllis. "It was a great venue for us. We went to all of the spring training games and didn't miss many on TV as well. We even bought the Major League Baseball package on our cable system to watch every game during the season."

The Sands had been married since 1955, and were looking forward to their golden years after Norman retired from his position as a judge in Chicago. But three years after moving to Arizona, Norman started to show signs of Alzheimer's disease, and was soon diagnosed with the condition at Mayo Clinic.

Providing care

"I was the total caregiver," says Phyllis. "We continued to enjoy the games and activities. It was something that kept Norman's interest. But year after year, it became more difficult."

Norman's condition continued to get worse over the next several years. "After five years, he continued to go downhill and when I couldn't handle it anymore. I put him in an assisted living facility," says Phyllis. But her caregiving role had taken a toll on her own health. Stress and depression took over her life.

"I still went every day and spent time with him, but the worry was still there," says Phyllis. "At times I was suicidal. I just didn't see a purpose in my life. I just went into a deep, deep depression. I didn't see a reason each day to get out of bed."

Study on stress

During those dark days, Mayo Clinic contacted her about a new study that was being developed in Arizona. Researchers were exploring the effects of stress on adult caregivers. The study focused on stress in older adult caregivers, specifically spouses of patients with disabling neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and stroke.

Prior to beginning the study, each participant completed questionnaires related to stress and depression, underwent tests of attention and memory, and provided blood samples that would allow the team to perform measurements of cellular aging. Caregivers subsequently completed an 8-week stress-reduction course that centered upon refining attention-based skills through meditation.

"No one has ever conducted this course, or examined the usefulness of such an intervention, with older adults in this type of setting," says Jennifer Bortz, Ph.D., a neuropsychologist at Mayo Clinic in Arizona, and the principal investigator in the study. "Family caregivers suffer from the symptoms of depression at more than twice the rate of the general population. If that caregiver is a spouse, current research shows that they experience a rate of six times that amount." Dr. Bortz, study co-principle investigator Teri Pipe, Ph.D., and a multidisciplinary team of experts hope to use the information from this study to develop a refined course to help patients, family members, and professional staff caregivers in the future.

"The 8-week course ended in late March and it was very well received," says Dr. Bortz. "Measurements were taken after course completion, and will again be performed at 6 months and 12 months after completing the course. We think this program will have a direct impact on caregiver health, cognitive efficiency, and emotional well-being."

Starting to feel better

Phyllis believes that research findings are already a positive, "After a couple of weeks, I started to feel better. It really allowed me a time to get in touch with myself and to calm down. I am so grateful that course came along at the time. Had it not been available, I am not sure I would be alive today."

On March 27, Norman Sands passed away at the age of 77. "Norman stayed at our home until 7 months before his death," says Phyllis. "I was at his side when he passed away." She explains that the pain hasn't gone away, but she now deals with it in a new light. "I use things from the course every single day and will continue to do so," she says. "It is exactly what I need at this point in my life."