SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) - November is National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, and the Alzheimer's Association wants to help caregivers prioritize their own mental and physical health as they care for someone else. Brenda Shuttlesworth is the Executive Director for the Dallas & Northeast Texas and North Central Texas chapters of the Alzheimer's Association. She says that no caregiver should face this disease alone. "The Alzheimer’s Association is here to help.” There are more than one million caregivers in Texas alone and almost 460,000 people who suffer from Alzheimer's. (Adobe Express) Alzheimer’s care poses special challenges for family caregivers. They experience increased emotional stress, depression, anxiety, and new or worsened health problems as dementia symptoms worsen in their loved ones. They also frequently experience financial strain due to disruptions in employment and the cost of health care services.  “Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s takes longer, lasts longer, is more personal and extensive than most other diseases, and takes a heavy toll on the health of the caregivers themselves,” said Shuttlesworth. “During the course of the disease, caregiving tasks escalate and become more intensive." Shuttlesworth said that dementia caregivers often neglect their own health needs. But she cautions that neglecting your own needs can lead to a crisis. Tips for caregivers: Know that it's normal to need a break from caregiving duties. You can't do it all by yourself, so consider asking for help from family and friends. It's essential to do something you enjoy from time to time. Become educated on the disease and its progression, and understand the behavioral and physical changes that are coming. Develop your support group. You'll need to organize so friends and family who want to help will be able to help. Look for local caregiver support groups. Seek professional help if you feel overwhelmed. Eat well, get plenty of rest, and exercise. Healthy caregivers are better caregivers. Don't wait until you become physically, emotionally, and mentally exhausted. The Alzheimer’s Association offers Caregiver Stress Check to help caregivers avoid burnout.   Research care options for the future because your loved one will eventually need intense care. Educate yourself now and prepare for future changes. The Alzheimer's Association provides programs for families dealing with forms of dementia. They have a 24-hour helpline, 7 days a week, where you can speak to master's-level clinicians and specialists. Call them at (800) 272-3900 or visit alz.org/crf or alz.org/training for more support. And know that more than 11 million Americans are caregivers to friends and family members with Alzheimer's or dementia. It's believed that 2/3 of caregivers are women. 1/3 of caregivers are the daughters of people who have dementia, and 1/4 of caregivers are taking care of an aging parent and a child under age 18. Almost half of American caregivers earn less than $50,000 a year. Remember that the Alzheimer's Association is here to help.