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

STAT PlusOpinionNeurotransmissions Ambiguous loss: a peculiar kind of grief in dementia care American medicine — and culture — must recognize how dementia disrupts relationships Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Jason KarlawishMay 6, 2026 Karlawish is a professor of medicine, medical ethics, health policy, and neurology at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine, co-director of the Penn Memory Center, and executive producer of the “Age of Aging” podcast. 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:Advertisement “What is it like to be Jim?” STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In dementia, Mental Health, STAT+ Submit a correction requestReprints Jason Karlawish Newsletter The smartest thinkers in life sciences on what's happening — and what's to come Recommended First Opinion May 8, 2026 We need more men in nursing Opinions+ May 8, 2026 STAT Plus: Medicare’s new RAPID pathway is a breakthrough for adults. Children are still waiting Advertisement First Opinion May 7, 2026 Eugene Braunwald, ‘father of modern cardiology,’ told me he had two dreams. One came true First Opinion Podcast May 6, 2026 Dr. Glaucomflecken wants to make a stink First Opinion May 6, 2026 Trump’s executive order on psychedelics is the right move. But is my field ready for it? Subscriber Picks