Strategies for Coping With the Emotional Side of Early-Stage Alzheimer’s

Living with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease (AD) can bring up a range of emotions. You might feel scared about the future, relieved to finally have an explanation for your symptoms, sad about the changes you’re already noticing, or frustrated when everyday tasks feel harder than they used to.

Often, negative emotions like fear, dread, worry, or sadness are based on experiences that you’ve had with the disease in other people, says Christina Hugenschmidt, PhD, an associate professor of gerontology and geriatrics at Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

These feelings are a normal part of adjusting to a life-changing diagnosis. While there’s no magic way to make those feelings or the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disappear, there are strategies and resources that can help you find some acceptance and peace.

Both you and your loved ones may experience a form of grief, says Dr. Hugenschmidt.

“People often think that grief only occurs when someone dies, but in fact, grief can occur with any loss in life. Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias are progressive diseases with many losses along the way, and it can be helpful for people to understand that some of the emotions they are experiencing — like anger, fear about the future, or sadness — may be rooted in grief.

Acknowledging and accepting all the feelings that come up, rather than pushing them away, can allow you to better understand their purpose and respond in healthy ways, says Lucille Carriere, PhD, a clinical psychologist and Angie Ruvo Endowed Chair in Caregiving at Cleveland Clinic Nevada.

“Over time, dismissing or denying emotions may lead to mental health issues, contribute to unhealthy coping behaviors, or worsen overall thinking and cognition,” says Dr. Carriere.

• Anger about changes you didn’t choose
• Relief that there’s finally a reason for your symptoms
• Denial that the diagnosis could really be true
• Depression or deep sadness about losses you’re noticing
• Resentment that this is happening to you
• Fear about the future
• Isolation, or a sense that no one understands
• A sense of loss around abilities or roles that feel different

Acceptance isn’t something you achieve all at once; it’s an evolving process of recognizing challenges while still seeking ways to live as fully as possible, says Carriere.

If strong emotions continue for many weeks or begin to interfere with your daily routines, it may be time to reach out for extra support.

Talking about how you feel can be one of the most helpful ways to cope with early-stage Alzheimer’s.

These conversations can help you process emotions, understand what support you may need, and explore practical ways to manage daily challenges, says Carriere.

The people you choose to talk to might include:

• Trusted friends and family members
• A support group for people living with early Alzheimer’s
• A faith leader or spiritual counselor
• A psychologist, social worker, or mental health counselor

Even in a safe space, you might feel hesitant to share your feelings at first.

“Sharing changes in thinking can bring up fears of being judged or treated differently,” Carriere says.

Finding a support group that includes other people who are living with early Alzheimer’s can allow you to more deeply explore or express fears and emotions.

“You may not always feel comfortable sharing with family members out of fear of adding to their worries or burden,” she says.

Sharing in a group can also:

• Promote creative problem-solving around daily challenges: You can get ideas from other people who may be going through the same thing.
• Help you feel more understood, and help you gain some insight into how the condition affects others: You can learn how different people might experience early-stage AD differently.

If taking part in a group feels overwhelming at first, having a one-on-one conversation with a counselor might be a better place to start.

As your brain changes, some tasks may take longer or require more effort. This can be frustrating, especially if you’ve always been independent. Adjusting your expectations isn’t about giving up: It’s about finding ways to continue doing what matters to you while reducing stress.

Try not focus too much on what you’ve lost or will lose, says Carriere. “Instead, try to set realistic goals based on today, and take things one day at a time. This can help you feel more confident and empowered in your abilities,” she says.

When frustration shows up, look for ways to simplify or modify the task, Carriere suggests.

“While brain changes associated with Alzheimer’s may present challenges to daily tasks or previously enjoyed activities even in the early stages, the key is to maintain an openness to trying out different approaches. We want to figure out what is the best fit for your specific activity or task,” she says.

For example, if you’ve always enjoyed complicated jigsaw puzzles, maybe reduce the puzzle piece count, or choose a puzzle with larger pieces, says Carriere. Finding ways to tweak what you’re doing and modify your expectations will not only make tasks and activities more pleasant, but it may also boost your confidence rather than leaving you feeling “less than.”

Taking care of your body and mind won’t stop Alzheimer’s, but it can improve your quality of life and help you cope emotionally.

Stay Active

Research suggests that physical activity supports brain health, improves mood, and reduces anxiety.

“It doesn’t need to be formal exercise. What matters most is finding ways to move throughout the day that you enjoy,” says Hugenschmidt.

Activities that involve coordination or learning — such as tai chi, yoga, or dance — may offer added benefits for the brain.

Keep Doing the Things You Love

Carriere says finding ways to maintain connections with beloved hobbies, interests, and activities is essential.

“Grief and loss are common reactions in this stage of the journey. Withdrawing too quickly from such activities out of fear or loss of confidence can intensify grief and rob individuals of a sense of purpose and connection,” she says.

Nurture Social Connections

These benefits are another reason to keep engaging in the things you enjoy: Hobbies and activities provide opportunities for peer connections and socialization, which can lessen feelings of isolation and improve mood, says Carriere.

Try Relaxation or Mindfulness Techniques

Doing relaxation practices — such as breathing exercises, stretching, or guided imagery — can be helpful, especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed or flooded with intense waves of emotion, says Carriere.

“These types of techniques can reduce the flight-or-fight response and induce a relaxation response in the body,” she says. When you feel more in control of your emotions and bodily reactions, you’re less likely to feel stressed, and that allows you to think clearly and feel better equipped to choose healthier coping strategies, she adds.

Mindfulness, which involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment, is another tool used in many memory counseling programs. Practicing mindfulness helps people observe thoughts and emotions without immediately trying to fix them, which supports acceptance and reduces stress, says Hugenschmidt.

If those techniques don’t appeal to you, that’s okay. Doing anything that helps you feel calm — such as listening to music, sitting outside, or spending time with a pet — can support emotional well-being.

Practice Healthy Daily Habits

Following good routines can support both mood and cognitive health. For instance, it helps to:

• Keep a consistent sleep schedule.
• Eat a balanced diet.
• Limit alcohol.
• Take medications as prescribed.

A healthy lifestyle can help you live well with Alzheimer’s for as long as possible.

Sadness, worry, and irritability can be normal parts of processing a diagnosis. But if these emotions become intense, last for weeks, or interfere with daily life, they may be signs of depression or anxiety.

According to Carriere, signs you may be slipping into depression include the following:

• Withdrawing from hobbies and activities that you used to enjoy
• Not socializing with friends and family
• Not getting your normal amount of physical activity
• Missing doctor’s appointments or medications
• Having physical symptoms such as changes in sleep, appetite, or energy

If you notice any of these changes, ask a trusted family member or friend to come with you to the doctor for added emotional support when sharing these changes with your healthcare provider, says Carriere.

• Early-stage Alzheimer’s often brings a mix of emotions. Acknowledging them instead of pushing them aside can help you cope and protect your mental health.
• Opening up in safe spaces such as support groups, counseling, or trusted relationships can ease isolation and help you find practical ways to manage daily challenges.
• Staying engaged in meaningful activities, social connections, gentle movement, and calming practices can support your well-being and help you continue living fully with early-stage Alzheimer’s.
• If difficult emotions last for weeks or begin to affect your daily life, reach out for help. Depression and anxiety are treatable, and early support can make a meaningful difference.