For each of the estimated 5.3 million Americans living with Alzheimer's, a constellation of friends, family and, particularly, partners are also deeply affected. The bonds between a couple change, as short-term memory grows evasive and confusion sets in.
While Alzheimer's can take a profound toll on relationships, for some couples it may also offer new ways to connect. For Jerry and Elaine, a key part of that bond is music, shown in recent studies to help aid cognition in a person with Alzheimer's.
And for some longtime couples, even as Alzheimer's advances, love can deepen, says Dr. Stephen Benson, a clinical psychologist in Wichita, Kansas, specializing in working with people affected by Alzheimer's.
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