June is Men’s Health Month, Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, and the perfect time to talk about an often-overlooked subject: men’s health in caregiving.

Whether you’re caring for a loved one, noticing signs of memory loss yourself, or just trying to stay on top of your own health, this month is about recognizing that men face unique challenges and deserve support too.

The Rise of Male Caregivers and Their Health Needs

More men are stepping into caregiving roles than ever before. Today, nearly 4 in 10 unpaid family caregivers are men, according to Family Caregiver Alliance. These roles come with deep responsibility and real health risks.

Unlike women, men are less likely to talk about the emotional toll caregiving takes. This silence can lead to stress-related conditions like:

• High blood pressure
• Depression
• Sleep disruption
• Poor nutrition or weight changes

Focusing on men’s health in caregiving means recognizing those risks and creating better systems of support.

Supporting Men Caring for Loved Ones with Alzheimer’s

Whether it’s a spouse, parent, or sibling, men are often in the role of primary caregiver for someone with dementia. Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s presents unique emotional and logistical challenges, especially when balancing work and family responsibilities.

As Alzheimer’s Association notes, caregivers are more likely to experience stress-related illness and burnout. Focusing on men’s health in caregiving includes mental health, emotional support, and proper medical follow-up.

This kind of care often includes:

• Managing medications and appointments
• Assisting with daily hygiene
• Handling financial and legal planning
• Navigating memory-related behavioral changes

How to Recognize Alzheimer’s Early in Men

Recognizing the warning signs of Alzheimer’s early allows for more proactive care. In men, symptoms may include:

• Forgetfulness around names, dates, or tasks
• Withdrawal from social interactions
• Loss of interest in hobbies
• Frustration or unusual irritability
• Struggling to follow conversations

If these symptoms appear, encourage a conversation with a primary care doctor or specialist. The National Institute on Aging provides helpful tools and resources.

Brain Health Tips: Foods That Support Memory

A big part of men’s health in caregiving is keeping your own brain sharp and energy steady. Nutrition plays a huge role in long-term memory and cognitive performance.

Consider adding these brain-boosting foods to your regular meals:

• Fatty fish like salmon and sardines
• Leafy greens like spinach and kale
• Berries, especially blueberries
• Whole grains and olive oil
• Nuts and seeds for healthy fats and vitamin E

Why Men’s Health in Caregiving Deserves More Attention

Male caregivers often go unseen and unsupported. Men are less likely to go to the doctor, talk about mental health, or ask for help. But caring for your own health is part of being a strong caregiver.

Regular checkups, setting boundaries, and joining caregiver support groups are all part of maintaining balance and avoiding burnout.

Vitra Health Supports Men’s Health in Caregiving

At Vitra Health, we support family caregivers of all kinds, including men navigating the physical, emotional, and financial realities of caregiving. If you’re looking for help managing care, getting paid for caregiving, or finding local resources, you’re not alone.

Get support now