 JOAN’S BLOG –WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2007 – NOT A LOVE STORY – ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AND THE UNHAPPY MARRIAGE Most of us have been relating to the emotional pain experienced when Alzheimer’s Disease steals away the love of our life But there are just as many spouses who have lived a strife-filled marriage These spouses also need to know that they are not alone, and there are those out there who fully understand their issues. I know, because I have heard from many of you. It is difficult enough to deal with the stresses Alzheimer’s Disease brings to a marriage when there is a loving bond. When there is bitterness, distrust There are those of you who were on the verge of divorce Yet you feel overwhelmed by guilt at the thought of leaving them. I cannot make that decision for those of you who are struggling with it. But I can acknowledge that the problem exists, and that you are not alone. There are many who understand. MESSAGE BOARD TOPIC – WHAT ABOUT AD AND THE UNHAPPY MARRIAGE? Feedback to joan@thealzheimerspouse.com
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. We have had to deal with the shock of their personality change
, their childlike behavior
, the slow dissolution of the close marital bond
with which we were blessed for so many years. We are mourning the loss of our lover, partner, and friend. 
, devoid of love
, companionship
, and respect
. (There are varying reasons why one would endure in such a relationship, and it is not my purpose or business to question it.) 
, and lack of love to begin with, the disease brings extreme anger
, a feeling of being trapped
, and deep guilt
. 
before AD reared its ugly head; there are those of you who somehow adjusted to a being married to someone with whom you share no love or joy. You are the spouses who feel as if you are being strangled by the burden of caring for someone you do not even want to live with. You churn with resentment.