Those with Alzheimer’s and those caring for them feel isolated. Family members who live with someone afflicted with Alzheimer’s feel isolated from the one they love who cannot recognize them and from others who don’t understand. Those afflicted become isolated from the world and those that love them.

Anonymous, Have friends who have or had family members with Alzheimer’s

Naples, FL

That while many of the symptoms Alzheimer's (and the other dementias) can be challenging, they can be effectively managed.

Dr. Schor, A professional treating people living with Alzheimer’s

Olney, MD

From the Latin verb for “constrict,” meaning “tightly bound together.” I may think that the sufferer has entered a labyrinth—an unknowable reality of narrowing passages and vanishing exits, where she is increasingly lost to me. But in truth we are bound together in this loss, by this loss, because every day the labyrinth changes who we are to one another and to ourselves.

Kelly, Family member

Asheville, NC

The person with dementia can often not pull meaning from the past and match it with the present. My mother loved having everything kept ready the night before. But later couldn't remember why she would place a tray and cup and tea leaves near the gas stove. Her spirit of joy and positivity has not left her for which I am most grateful.

Anonymous, Family member, Caregiver

Dalhousie, India

I chose scared as my word because seeing a family member lose themselves and not be able to live without constant care is frightening. It scares me that, that could happen to someone else in my family, and even eventually me. Also, seeing how it affects the people around the individual with dementia is scary and sad. Being unable to stop a loved one’s sickness and not having the ability to take care of them as they worsen is so upsetting.

Anonymous, Family member

Springfield, PA

My grandmother has Alzheimer’s and she has not been the same ever since. She used to be very talkative and engaged in conversations but now she has a hard time having conversations.

Anonymous, Family member

Philadelphia, PA

Anonymous, Family member, Caregiver

Alexandria, VA

I understand that there is a lot of research going on in this field and the Alzheimer organization believes that they will defeated it in the lifetime of someone who's alive now. So that's promising but any form of dementia is difficult because to properly care for your loved one is challenging and is a difficult emotional Journey.

Anonymous, Daughter of someone living with dementia

North Potomac, MD

My mother, sister and I lost our husband and father seven long years before he died. He was an intelligent, thoughtful, shy and loving man who fortunately remained kind until the end.
With his onset of Alzheimer's, I felt I lost my confidant and closest friend. I miss him to this day- 36 years later.

Kris Martin, Family member

Vienna, VA

Anonymous, Family member

Silver Spring, MD

Anonymous, Family member

Phoenix, AZ

To see the fear in my Mother's eyes when she understood what changes were happening. To watch my Mother cry and that she can't be that person. She never wanted to forget all her babies.

Roberta, A professional treating people living with Alzheimer’s

Gaithersburg, MD

When you've witnessed the slipping away of an intelligent, witty, and charismatic person, it feels as if they have been robbed. The whole family and their friends feel robbed, robbed of time with them and of memories yet to come. Like many robberies, it is random and cruel and senseless. Everyone suffers.

Lori, A family member of someone who had Alzheimer’s

Westport, CT

In my own experiences having a loved one with dementia, and in taking care of patients with dementia and their families as a nurse, "tough" is the word that comes to mind. It's tough to watch someone you love not remember core things about themselves. It's tough to watch others experience the same thing. Managing the behaviors while also preserving dignity - tough.

Kelly, Family member, Professional treating people living with Alzheimer’s

Chicago, IL

It is a profound sadness to see a loved one lose their precious memories & connections to all that they have been in this world & to all those who know & love them. It is beyond "the long goodbye" as we see our loved one lose their connection, brilliance & faculties. It is cruel, indeed, but it is still so hard to say goodbye!

Rosemary Tiernan, We have gone down this road with family members & dear friends. The caregivers are a breed apart. Angels in this world.

Bethesda, MD

My husband has mild cognitive decline and I feel such a loss for the person he was five years ago, and for the relationship we have had. I miss him. I can only imagine what it is like to see someone slip away so profoundly with this terrible disease.

Connie, Caregiver for my husband, who has cognitive decline

Bethesda, MD

It seems that the disease is ever shifting. Once you get settled with the behaviors/changes in personality of your loved one it changes again and you have to find a new normal.

Anonymous, Family member, Caregiver

Gaithersburg, MD