I am not a person to join groups but as a gerontologist I recommend all persons living with a spouse who has dementias especially due to Alzheimers or Parkinsons join a support group associated through the foundations for such.

It may sound harsh, but if you do not laugh, you cry and get depressed.

I have a sister with a husband who has Parkinson's; he is still able to work/volunteer one day a week, but as with most dementias there are phases as time passes.

I try to get her to have a glass of wine and unload what living with it is like. Often times I can get her to laugh and allow her the opportunity to laugh at the whole situation.

It is sad, but in it we must find lightness anywhere we can find it or we will also be a victim of the disease.

Caregivers must not allow themselves to become collateral damage.