The quick and dirty answer is no. It’s not. But let’s be honest: when you’ve been caregiving for years—and you start losing items, staring into space, forgetting what you were about to do—you begin to wonder: Am I next?

Every time mom forgets a name, loses a thought, or asks the same question again, I whisper: Please don’t let this jump to me. And while the reality is that dementia is not contagious, what is contagious is the chronic stress of caregiving. And that can leave you convinced you’re slipping.

Why Caregivers Feel Like They’re Joining the Club

When you’re running the entire operation—medications, doctor visits, comfort, meals, social outings, defending dignity—you are carrying a mental load so heavy that it warps your everyday reality.

• You forget your errands.
• You walk into a room and lose the reason you came.
• You stare at nothing—because all the synapses are busy carrying someone else’s needs.
• And eventually, the worry creeps in: Is this stress—or something worse?

The truth: most of the time it’s stress overload, not the start of dementia. You’re burned out, brain‑fogged, emotionally depleted. Your brain wants to care for someone else so intensely it forgets to care for itself.

So What About Dementia Then?

As I mentioned, no, it’s not contagious. But yes, it’s serious—and yes, caregivers worry. Here’s what the research says:

• Dementia (including Alzheimer’s disease) is diagnosed through a comprehensive medical evaluation—there’s no one simple test. Alzheimer’s Association
• Early‑onset dementia (before age 65) is rare, but possible. Mayo Clinic
• Warning signs include: difficulty solving familiar problems, confusion with time or place, struggling with familiar tasks, changing moods/personality. Alzheimer’s Association
• While newer tests are emerging—like the cleared blood test for certain markers of Alzheimer’s U.S. Food and Drug Administration—these aren’t routine screening tools yet.

So when you feel those “Oh no—I might be next” thoughts, let’s pause. Evaluate your lifestyle, check your stress levels, get your sleep, get your check‑ups—and then if symptoms persist? Talk with your doctor.

What To Do When Your Brain Feels Like It’s Turning to Static

1. Sleep is non‑negotiable. Your brain repairs itself when you sleep. When you skip it, your memory, focus and emotional resilience suffer.
2. Stress‑check your load. Are you carrying way more than one person’s needs? Of course you are. Is there someone that can step in for a couple hours so you can get your hair or nails done or have a coffee date (or go into the field and scream?)
3. Schedule respite—not later, now. Whether it’s a 2‑hour break, a weekend away, or a “tech‑free” afternoon. Your brain needs reset.
4. Monitor your own symptoms. Rarely is forgetting one date or name enough to mean dementia—but if you’re worried, use the list of warning signs above and talk to your doctor.
5. Don’t carry the guilt. Caregiver fatigue doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you are caring deeply. That’s exactly why you need care too.

Caregiver Hack of the Week: “The Check Engine Light”

When your brain glitches, don’t panic—just treat it like the check engine light. You don’t assume your car is about to explode—you take a breath, pull over, and check your systems.

Ask yourself:

• Have I slept?
• Have I eaten something besides toast crusts?
• Have I moved my body today?
• Have I said anything out loud besides “Where are your pants?”

You’re not breaking. You’re blinking. Time to reset.

Final Thought

Your world might feel small. Your brain might feel tired. The fear of “am I next?” may be loud.

But the truth is this: You’re not alone. You’re not already broken. And dementia is not catching you by mere proximity. What can catch you is chronic stress, neglecting yourself, forgetting that you are someone too. So take a breath. Do the self‑check. And then carve out your reset—because the world needs you, whole and healthy. I know it’s hard, I feel it too.

Until next time. Keep chugging a long – and have faith – you will be okay – even if it’s not today.

I think I can. I think I can. See you at the next stop!