SAVANNAH, Ga. () — Every three seconds someone in the world develops dementia, the Georgia Department of Human Resources Division of Aging Services reported.

The disease affects nearly seven million Americans. While the focus is typically on patients and their struggle with dementia, their caregivers also shoulder a heavy burden.

Caregivers juggle daily routines, medicine schedules and emotional support, all while watching their loved one struggle. Doctors have said that there is a noticeable trend of high blood pressure and stress in caregivers.

One local doctor has been researching ways to help.

“Dementia is one of those illnesses that is truly unique in that the caregivers probably suffer more than the patients themselves,” Memorial Health Internal Medicine Specialist Maulik Patel said. “Many times, in providing care for patients with dementia you almost have to live in their world for a bit, because that world is only going to exist for the next 10, 20, or 30 minutes.”

Georgia Department of Human Resources Division of Aging Services has a list of resources for caregivers and those with dementia.