A lot of people including family members don't realize that it's more than just memory loss. And they have no concept of the emotional stress that the caregiver goes through.

I think the most frustrating part is my husband's children blame the medications necessary at this late stage instead of acknowledging it's the disease causing him to sleep more and be agitated at times. He's on a total of four medications and two are "as needed". They don't understand that there is no cure! It's impossible to visit twice a year for two days each and get the full spectrum of what an Alzheimer's patient is going through.

So many friends and family avoid the person with the disease and the caregiver. Sometimes out of fear it will happen to them, sometimes because they can't handle seeing them like that or cant accept it. I have heard some say "They are losing their mind." They don't realize that that person still wants to see them or how hard it is on the caregivers. They also don't realize it's not just a memory problem but that it also destroys other bodily functions like seeing, hearing, continence, and ability to speak even when they may understand what is being said. They still have feelings too
They are often frightened and frustrated with their decline.

I bought cards (business card size) from some company that say “the person I am with has Alzheimer’s Please be patient thank you”
I do not remember the company that was selling them (online). They are somehow connected to an Alzheimer’s site such as this.
I have found them quite useful.
My husband just entered a memory care facility. It was the hardest thing I have ever done. We have been married 52 years and I miss him so much. It got t a point where I could not safely handle his sundowning. He can talk but often can’t express himself, he can walk but is often unsteady. He has trouble bathing and dressing and he would get so agitated, confused and even paranoid. He had trouble, at first, settling in to the new facility but he is gradually becoming more relaxed. The caregivers are very patient and are helping him adjust. I visit nearly everyday. At first we would both be in tears when I would leave. Now I am doing better as I see him adjusting.
I pray every day for strength to navigate these uncharted waters. My faith helps me a lot. This sit is a real source of strength as well!

There is a misconception that the decline is always fast, that once you are diagnosed it is all down hill. My husband has had a slow decline and still has much of his personality in tact all though little to no short term memory. He was diagnosed in 2017 but I noticed it before.,I am thankful the decline has been slow.