It is common for caregivers to experience feelings of loss, especially if their lives and someone they love is changed by Alzheimer's disease. The natural phases of grieving usually involve denial, anger, guilt, physical symptoms, and eventually acceptance. However, it is important to know everyone grieves differently.

Caregivers may:

• Deny their loved one is ill
• Experience periods of helplessness, despair, and depression
• Experience changes in appetite or sleep patterns
• Get angry or frustrated with the person with Alzheimer’s and caregiving tasks
• Withdraw from social activities and from friends, family and the person they care for