Symbolic image of two figures connected by a thread of light, representing enduring love in the face of dementia.

Navigating Dementia: How to Maintain Meaningful Relationships

Elliot Brynn in Health & Wellness November 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover the secrets to preserving connections and enhancing well-being in the face of dementia. Learn about relationship continuity and discontinuity."

Living with dementia presents unique challenges, especially in maintaining relationships. The bond between a person with dementia and their family caregiver, often a spouse, is significantly impacted. Studies reveal that dementia profoundly affects these relationships, influencing the overall experience of living with the condition.

While various aspects of these relationships have been studied, this article focuses on a critical element: relationship continuity and discontinuity. Understanding these concepts can offer valuable insights for caregivers and families.

Recent research highlights that when caregivers experience a sense of discontinuity in their relationship with a spouse who has dementia, they report a greater sense of burden and fewer rewards from caregiving. Let's explore what contributes to these feelings and how to foster continuity in the face of dementia.

Understanding Relationship Continuity and Discontinuity

Symbolic image of two figures connected by a thread of light, representing enduring love in the face of dementia.

Relationship continuity and discontinuity describe how a caregiver perceives the changes in their relationship with a spouse who has dementia. These concepts aren't simply opposites but rather exist on a spectrum.

Discontinuity arises when the relationship no longer feels like a marital one. It may resemble a parent-child dynamic. The person with dementia may seem radically changed, almost like a stranger. Feelings of love and affection may diminish, replaced by protectiveness or grief. A sense of isolation can replace the feeling of being a couple, and the caregiver may experience a profound sense of loss.

Continuity, on the other hand, means that the marital relationship and the person with dementia are still experienced as essentially the same, despite the changes brought on by the condition.
Feelings of love and affection remain, as does a sense of being a couple.
The sense of loss may be limited or absent.

It's important to remember that these aren't fixed states. Caregivers may lean more towards one end of the spectrum, and their feelings can shift over time.

Moving Forward: Fostering Connection

Understanding the dynamics of relationship continuity and discontinuity is crucial for supporting caregivers and improving the lives of those living with dementia. By recognizing the factors that influence these perceptions, we can develop interventions that foster connection, reduce burden, and enhance well-being. Further research is needed to explore the long-term impact of these concepts and to develop effective strategies for maintaining meaningful relationships in the face of dementia.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1177/1533317518813557, Alternate LINK

Title: Relationship Continuity/Discontinuity—A Framework For Investigating The Role Of Relationships In The Experience Of Living With Dementia

Subject: Psychiatry and Mental health

Journal: American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease & Other Dementiasr

Publisher: SAGE Publications

Authors: Gerard A. Riley

Published: 2018-11-19

Everything You Need To Know

What does 'relationship continuity' mean when caring for someone with dementia?

Relationship continuity, in the context of dementia care, signifies that despite the changes brought on by the condition, the marital relationship and the person with dementia are still experienced as essentially the same. Feelings of love and affection remain, as does a sense of being a couple. The sense of loss may be limited or absent. This state allows caregivers to maintain a strong emotional bond and sense of connection with their spouse.

What are the signs of 'relationship discontinuity' in the context of dementia care, and how does it differ from relationship continuity?

Relationship discontinuity arises when the relationship no longer feels like a marital one and may start to resemble a parent-child dynamic. The person with dementia may seem radically changed, almost like a stranger. Feelings of love and affection may diminish, replaced by protectiveness or grief. A sense of isolation can replace the feeling of being a couple, and the caregiver may experience a profound sense of loss. Caregivers experiencing discontinuity often report a greater sense of burden.

How does a shift from relationship continuity to relationship discontinuity affect the caregiver's well-being and experience?

The shift from relationship continuity to discontinuity can significantly impact the caregiver's well-being. When caregivers experience discontinuity, they often report a greater sense of burden and fewer rewards from caregiving. This can lead to increased stress, burnout, and a diminished quality of life for both the caregiver and the person with dementia. Understanding this dynamic is crucial for developing interventions that support caregivers and improve their overall experience.

Are feelings of relationship continuity and discontinuity fixed, or can they change over time for caregivers of individuals with dementia?

Yes, feelings associated with relationship continuity and discontinuity can change over time. Caregivers may lean more towards one end of the spectrum at different times, and their feelings can shift depending on various factors such as the progression of dementia, the availability of support, and changes in the caregiver's own health and well-being. It's important for caregivers to recognize that these feelings are not fixed and to seek support as needed to navigate these changes.

What steps can caregivers take to foster or maintain relationship continuity when caring for a spouse with dementia, and why is it important?

Fostering relationship continuity involves actively working to maintain a sense of connection and intimacy with the person with dementia. Strategies may include engaging in shared activities, reminiscing about positive memories, focusing on the person's strengths and abilities, and seeking support from family, friends, or professionals. Creating a supportive and understanding environment can help to strengthen the bond between the caregiver and the person with dementia, even in the face of significant challenges. Further research is needed to develop more effective strategies.