By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
    Health
    Healthcare organizations are operating on slimmer profit margins than ever. One report in August showed that they are even lower than the beginning of the…
    Show More
    Top News
    UV damage to eyes
    Warning Signs of Long-Term UV Damage to Your Eyes
    December 9, 2021
    degree for healthcare job
    The Ultimate Healthcare Recruiting and Staffing Guidebook
    March 21, 2022
    medicare part d benefits
    Everything that You Need to Know About Medicare Part D
    August 15, 2022
    Latest News
    Beyond Nutrition: Everyday Foods That Support Whole-Body Health
    June 15, 2025
    The Wide-Ranging Benefits of Magnesium Supplements
    June 11, 2025
    The Best Home Remedies for Migraines
    June 5, 2025
    The Hidden Impact Of Stress On Your Body’s Alignment And Balance
    May 22, 2025
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
    Policy and Law
    Get the latest updates about Insurance policies and Laws in the Healthcare industry for different geographical locations.
    Show More
    Top News
    nursing program
    7 Tips to Picking the Best Nursing Program
    February 5, 2018
    Health Care: A Modern-Day Blade Runner?
    December 10, 2014
    Occupational Therapy Assistant | Medical Assistant | Home Health Aide
    In-Demand Healthcare Support Jobs
    April 16, 2016
    Latest News
    Top HIPAA-Compliant Messaging Apps for Healthcare Teams
    June 25, 2025
    When Healthcare Ends, the Legal Process Begins: What Families Should Know About Probate and Medical Estates
    June 20, 2025
    Preventing Contamination In Healthcare Facilities Starts With Hygiene
    June 15, 2025
    Strengthening Healthcare Systems Through Clinical and Administrative Career Development
    June 13, 2025
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Alzheimer’s, Anticipatory Grief, and Ambiguous Loss: Saying Goodbye But Still Here
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > Specialties > Geriatrics > Alzheimer’s, Anticipatory Grief, and Ambiguous Loss: Saying Goodbye But Still Here
GeriatricsSpecialtiesWellness

Alzheimer’s, Anticipatory Grief, and Ambiguous Loss: Saying Goodbye But Still Here

eCaring
Last updated: March 14, 2013 7:46 am
eCaring
Share
4 Min Read
SHARE

alzheimer's disease caregivingAs a caregiver to someone with Alzheimer’s Disease, you may often find yourself facing doubts and questions on

alzheimer's disease caregivingAs a caregiver to someone with Alzheimer’s Disease, you may often find yourself facing doubts and questions on a daily basis. Alzheimer’s disease presents many practical challenges such as dressing, bathing, and feeding the person. Yet, many caregivers claim the most difficult part is the inevitable “long good-bye” that comes as a result of the disease’s slow, progressive, incurable nature.

What is anticipatory grief?

Anticipatory grief is the pain and sadness that arises in advance of an expectant loss. It’s the emotional effect associated with losing a relative before that person dies. A common phenomenon among caregivers to the chronically and terminally ill, it is generally considered the most difficult type of grief to deal with. Caregivers experiencing anticipatory can encounter symptoms including mood swings, forgetfulness, disorganized and confused behavior, anger, and depression. Weight loss or gain, sleep problems, and general fatigue are also common.

More Read

How to Prevent Pressure Ulcers in Bedridden Patients
The Human Side of Molecular Imaging
BioPharma Beat: Apple and the Dawn of the Worried Well (the Sequel)
Adrenal Pathology Reporting: How to Prevent Errors with Pathology Reporting Software
Your Helpful Guide To Coolsculpting And How It Works

In the midst of anticipatory grief, friends and family of those with dementia may also battle with ambiguous loss, or the confusing feeling of interacting with someone who is not fully present mentally or socially.

Anticipatory grief and Alzheimer’s Disease 

In a study conducted by researchers at the University of Wisconsin, an adult child caregiving for a parent with dementia remarked:

“I think when you lose somebody through death, …after a while time kind of takes the sting away. But when you’re dealing with somebody with Alzheimer’s, you’re reminded of what you have lost all the time.  Sometimes mom doesn’t know who I am and sometimes she’s very angry and that’s just typical of the disease. And even though rationally I know that it’s the disease, it’s like you wonder …why is that happening, you don’t like it but you have to deal with it.”

Does this sound familiar? Feelings of anticipatory grief and ambiguous loss are particularly common in the middle and late stages of Alzheimer’s disease, but may be apparent at any stage in the caregiving process.  The process often mimics a roller-coaster ride: A period of rapid decline may intensify your sense of lost for a time, but feelings may level off when the good days outnumber the bad. 

Coping with anticipatory grief

While there is no easy way through dementia, anticipatory grief, and ambiguous loss, take comfort in the fact that your reaction is normal and that you can take steps to cope. 

• Educate yourself about the stages of Alzheimer’s Disease

• Expect the unexpected. Persons with dementia often act in surprising and unpredictable ways. Prepare yourself for the ups and downs of the caregiving journey. 

• Celebrate the good days. Focus on your love for the person and the memories you are creating. Also validate the hard days. Some days you will wrestle with very dark, despairing feelings, while others will shine with rays of light.

• Seek support from your community. Reach out to family, friends, neighbors, and your religious community. 

• Practice self-care. Take care of your own personal mental and physical health needs to be the best caregiver you can be.

Are you a caregiver who has been through an experience with anticipatory grief? What lessons can you share?

TAGGED:Alzheimer's Diseaseambiguous lossanticipatory griefcaregivercaregiving
Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share

Stay Connected

1.5kFollowersLike
4.5kFollowersFollow
2.8kFollowersPin
136kSubscribersSubscribe

Latest News

women dental care
What Is a Smile Makeover and How Much Does It Cost?
Dental health
June 30, 2025
HIPAA-Compliant Messaging Apps
Top HIPAA-Compliant Messaging Apps for Healthcare Teams
Global Healthcare Policy & Law Technology
June 25, 2025
recovering from injury
Rebuilding After Injury: Path to Physical and Emotional Recovery
News
June 22, 2025
scientist using microscope
When Healthcare Ends, the Legal Process Begins: What Families Should Know About Probate and Medical Estates
Global Healthcare
June 18, 2025

You Might also Like

newborn baby health
ParentingWellness

Newborn Shopping Essentials to Keep Your Baby Healthy

May 13, 2020
portion control tips
ObesitySpecialties

Curbing Cravings: 6 Tips for Stopping Accidental Overeating

July 2, 2021
live healthier this summer
Wellness

11 Ways to Enhance Your Overall Health This Summer

June 25, 2021
ADA dental health
Home HealthPublic HealthWellness

ADA Launches Action for Dental Health

October 13, 2013
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Follow US
© 2008-2025 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?