Dimensions of Ambiguous Loss in Couples Coping With Mild Cognitive Impairment*

We applied the theory of ambiguous loss to couples with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), an age‐related decline in memory and other cognitive processes assumed not to interfere with daily activities or the maintenance of personal relationships. Face‐to‐face interviews with 67 older married couples revealed that lack of understanding about the behavioral manifestations of MCI resulted in much ambiguity in their lives. Fluctuations in the elders’ functioning required spouses to alter their daily activities and responsibilities. As a result, couples often experienced distress that affected their emotional involvement with one another. Findings advance theoretical implications of ambiguous loss and provide educators and practitioners with suggestions for working with couples experiencing mild memory loss.