Grief and Loss | Alzheimer's Society

Grieving the loss of a grandparent with dementia and 'the storm' that follows

The loss of a much-loved family member can be a very emotional experience. In his latest piece 'Storms', 14-year-old A'yaan shares the story of his grandma's death, who had Alzheimer's disease.

'Dementia snatched her away' - Aimee's fundraising story about her gran, Helen

Aimee treasures the remarkable relationship shared with her late grandmother, Helen, who had dementia. Now, Aimee is desperate to make a difference by helping to fundraise for other people affected by dementia.

First Valentine's Day after the death of a spouse: Emily's dementia story

Emily and Jim were married for nearly 50 years. Jim had been diagnosed with Lewy Bodies dementia, and recently passed away. Emily shares the importance of making and treasuring memories, and how the first Valentine's Day without your spouse feels.

12 February 2021

A better farewell: Giving Mum the send-off she deserved

When her mother died at the height of the coronavirus pandemic, Catherine Iremonger couldn’t say a proper goodbye.

30 September 2020

Dealing with grief through music after losing my wife to dementia

Robert Crowley lost his wife Julie to dementia last year. Dealing with his grief, Robert used his experiences as a carer to create an album of music that he hopes can help others in the same position.

29 September 2020

‘With Alzheimer’s, you are constantly in a state of grieving’: Loretta’s dementia story

When Loretta's mum, Dinah, was diagnosed with young-onset dementia, Loretta began to grieve for the person she was before her diagnosis. Dinah sadly passed away in 2020, which has led Loretta to reflect on her personal experience as a carer.

Why I take part in Memory Walk: Jeanette's story

After being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease at 56 years old, Malcolm sadly passed away in 2018. His wife Jeanette remains passionate about fundraising for Alzheimer’s Society, and explains why she continues to take part in Memory Walk.

Dealing with the loss of a loved one to early-onset dementia

Bethan’s mum, Sharon, was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease aged just 56. Bethan reflects on how quickly her mum’s condition progressed, and her fundraising plans to help other people affected by dementia.

Common emotions experienced by people affected by dementia

By taking each letter of the word 'dementia', Roger describes some raw and honest emotions that have affected him and his wife, Thelly, after her Alzheimer's diagnosis in 2014.

Losing my dad to Alzheimer's disease: Sarah's story

My name is Sarah and I’m 21 years old. In August 2017, my dad died from Alzheimer's disease. I would like to share my story of being a young carer and experiencing what it is to care for someone living with Alzheimer's disease.

26 February 2019

Former Manchester United coach, Eric Harrison, has died

Eric Harrison, former Manchester United coach, who supported the likes of David Beckham, has died. He was living with dementia, after being diagnosed four years ago.

Grief, loss and bereavement - useful organisations

Get details of organisations that can help if you or someone living with dementia is feeling grief, loss or bereavement.

Supporting a person with dementia during a bereavement

There are lots of things to think about when a person close to someone with dementia dies. Read our advice about telling a person with dementia about a death.