Grief, multiple loss and dementia

Alzheimer's disease and the other dementias bring with them multiple losses for the person with dementia, their spouse and family, and professional caregivers. The person with dementia will experience the major losses of memory, role and autonomy, and ultimately of identity and selfhood. Their spouse and other family members may lose the person they knew and loved, as well as their hopes and expectations for the future, and even their home, social networks and other important sources of identity and support. Their bereavement may start long before the person dies. Professional caregivers too may experience loss when a long-term relationship with a client and their family is brought to a sudden end by the death. This article reviews these losses and how bereavement counsellors and supporters can help.