anonymous 10:21 14/01/08 - With memory loss and gradual intellectual decline, the person suffering from dementia ceases to be the companion they were, often leading to dramatic changes in family relationships. This can be an extremely sorrowful experience, generating deep feelings of grief and sadness. Watching a loved and respected person decline is very distressing, particularly because there is little the caring poerson can do to stop the deterioration. It is important that through this period of grieving, the caring person has support from friends , or people who understand the situation. Carers Qld offer both face to face and telephone counselling for carers. Please contact 1800 242 636 for further information. Often carers also benefit from joining a local Carers Support Group. Further details on support groups can be found under Education - Family workshops on this website or by calling the Dementia Helpline on 1800 639 331. Regards, AAQ Staff. anonymous 21:24 11/01/08 - Hello this is my first venture into any type of chat room. But I find myself unable to cope with my mothers dementia. She is in care, and seems to be doing okay. But watching her mind disintergrate before my very eyes is heartbreaking for both of us, my father has been unable to cope and has has to be medicated to handle his mood swings as he now copes with depression. I cry every day - I find myself unable to discuss mums problems with anyone because I just cry - it leaves me unable to explore her disease, how we are coping because I end up a mess 30 seconds into any converstion about her. Is anyone else out there is as upset and unable to cope as I am? My hear is breaking. Maryanne