Your grief process may have started when you first noticed that something was wrong with your loved one or when you received the diagnosis. You may not fully understand all of the feelings you may be experiencing. We understand that this can be very confusing and overwhelming. Know that the emotions you are feeling are normal and are a natural part of your journey with this disease. Your grief process has started and as the disease progresses, you will experience different types of grief.
Unfolding Grief
Unfolding grief occurs as you watch your loved one lose abilities as the early onset Alzheimer’s disease progresses. You are losing aspects of the relationship you had with your loved one prior to the early onset Alzheimer’s disease.
Anticipatory Grief
Anticipatory grief occurs every day on this journey, as you know that the day is coming when your loved one will lose their battle with this disease. You are dealing with very real feelings of loss, even though your loved one is still living. Know that your feelings are normal and that anticipatory grief is real grief.
Acute Grief
Acute grief occurs as you watch the death of your loved one and face the finality that they have died from this disease.
As the caregiver of a loved one with early onset Alzheimer’s disease, you will experience many ups and down in the grief process, many of which occur while your loved one is still alive. You may experience intense grief as you watch this disease take away pieces of your loved one. Then your loved one may have some good days and moments of clarity, and feelings of hope come rushing to the surface, only to disappear when those moments of clarity are gone. You may feel as though you are on a roller coaster. These feelings are real and they are completely normal.
Sources of Support
- Recognize and acknowledge the grief. This is an important first step in being able to reach out for support.
- Find someone that you can confide in, openly and honestly.
- Keep a journal. This can be a great way to express your thoughts and feelings.
- Attending a support group can be a good way to verbalize your experiences and feelings with people that are in a similar situation. Talking with others that have an understanding of your feelings can be a very healing process.
- An experienced grief counselor can be a wonderful person to share your thoughts and feelings with. They can help provide you with tools and suggestions as you go through your grief journey.
- Be gentle with yourself. No matter where you are in the grief process, it is important to remember that this is your journey, not someone else’s.
- Find something to do each day that is an outlet for you. It can be very difficult to do this when you are the sole caregiver and are unable to leave your house. However, even 5-10 minutes of ‘me’ time, can make a big difference. Meditation, exercise, sitting outside, listening to music – anything that can soothe you is important.