11/06/2026
71% of carers say they are already grieving the person they knew while still caring for them.
If this feels familiar, you’re not alone.
When someone close to you develops dementia, both of you may experience a profound sense of loss that can change over time.
Depending on your relationship and circumstances, you may feel you are losing, or have already lost: your relationship with the person; companionship, support and special understanding; a particular lifestyle; intimacy with the person; freedom to work or take part in other activities; communication between you; future plans; and the person themselves.
You may grieve for a short time as you experience these changes, or grief can be ongoing.
Your feelings of grief may also change or go back and forth over time.
Feelings of loss and grief might make it harder for you to cope with caring.
Some of the changes you both go through can be harder to process than the person’s death.
It’s important to acknowledge any feelings you have and try not to feel guilty about them. There is no right or wrong way to grieve.
[Image description: A graphic titled 'Grieving a person with dementia can feel like you’re losing or have already lost...' depicts a person sat down, holding their knees towards their chest, as if something is troubling them. They are surrounded by short sentences describing the the different types of 'loss', which include: Intimacy with the person; Your relationship with the person; Companionship, support and special understanding; A particular lifestyle; Freedom to work or take part in other activities; Communication between you; Future plans; and The person. An Alzheimer's Society logo can be seen in the bottom left corner.]
