New Alzheimer's study reveals how spouse-caregivers sustain relationships

(Florida Atlantic University) When a spouse is cognitively impaired, marital communication is impaired. As Alzheimer's disease progresses, language problems increase in frequency -- such as searching for the right word or asking the same question over and over. As a result of the decline in communication, married couples affected by AD suffer isolation, depression and estrangement. Limited research has existed on communication in couples affected by AD and existing research primarily focuses on ...