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• Nerves & brain >> Carers of people with dementia >> Women caring for partners >> Interview 16 >> Felt guilty putting her husband in a home and her glad she could take him back before he died.

He was cared for at home for 7 years. When things got really difficult he spent 18 months in residential care after which his wife was able to bring him home again with the additional support of either a live-in carer, or two live-in carers in rotation - working alternate weeks.

• Nerves & brain >> Carers of people with dementia >> Men caring for partners >> Interview 31 >> Describes his wife's moments of lucidity and exhorts people not to feel guilty for their deficiencies as carers.

He gave up work to be a full time carer but when she took to her bed for several months it was decided that she needed residential care. As she refused, it was necessary to section her to make the transfer possible.

• Nerves & brain >> Carers of people with dementia >> Men caring for partners >> Interview 07 >> Describes how his wife has gradually withdrawn from all domestic responsibilities.

Gradual onset mistaken for depression. Diagnosis given jointly to husband and wife. Slow progression. Problem with restlessness and wandering. Very involved with the local Alzheimers disease society. He tries to involve her in decisions where possible. Initially prescribed antidepressants later given trial of Reminyl. Later benifited from sedatives and sleeping tablets.

• Nerves & brain >> Carers of people with dementia >> Men caring for partners >> Interview 46 >> Regrets his lack of patience when his wife first showed symptoms of Pick's disease.

When brain scan was found to be normal was admitted for a week's assessment. Diagnosed as having Pick's disease (fronto-temporal dementia) Cared for at home, with day care and regular residential respite, finally in residential care.

• Nerves & brain >> Carers of people with dementia >> Men caring for partners >> Interview 33 >> Felt guilty getting on with his life while his wife approached death.

His wife developed multi-infarct dementia. He cared for her at home for about 6 years. When she went into residential care it took a long time for her to settle. She died in the nursing home.

• Nerves & brain >> Carers of people with dementia >> Men caring for partners >> Interview 08 >> Regrets he couldn't make his wife's life better as her dementia became more profound.

He felt he had to fight to get the care she needed when she needed it. Indignant that medication was refused on grounds of cost but did persuade GP to give Aricept though he admits it didn't do her any good. Life is very lonely since she died.

• Nerves & brain >> Carers of people with dementia >> Women caring for partners >> Interview 23 >> Describes her grief over losing her partner as a companion and solace from remembering the good times.

Has been able to cope with caring for him at home. He attends a day centre and he has regular respite care. Doesn't feel ready to consider full time residential care for him but has felt it necessary to look out for homes which might be suitable.

• Nerves & brain >> Carers of people with dementia >> Women caring for partners >> Interview 23 >> Being honest with yourself about how you feel and get help for yourself.

Has been able to cope with caring for him at home. He attends a day centre and he has regular respite care. Doesn't feel ready to consider full time residential care for him but has felt it necessary to look out for homes which might be suitable.