Opinion: STAT+: Ambiguous loss: a peculiar kind of grief in dementia care

I was at the close of my interview with Muriel, wife and caregiver of my patient Jim, who has dementia caused by Alzheimer’s disease. Jim was in the waiting area so I could have a candid conversation with Muriel. I’d asked her about his cognitive symptoms, mood, and behavior, and how they impact his ability to perform daily tasks. I reviewed their living situation, his medications, and his medical history. I’d inquired about her. How are you doing? Is there anything you need? Now, it was time to ask my closing question: “What is it like to be Jim?”Continue to STAT+ to read the full story…