How to deal with feelings of guilt after my mother and grandmother died from Alzheimer/dementia?

Nermine, your loved ones died from dementia. You did not cause the dementia. It was Not Your Fault. Dementia is a progressive and fatal disease. Unless something like a heart attack intervenes people who have dementia die from it.

It is not uncommon for persons to wish for or pray for the death of a loved one who is suffering. It is very hard to see quality of life slipping away. This is not what we want for our mothers and grandmothers! And caring for elders, even elders we love dearly, is not what we expected in our lives and some resentment is natural. It doesn't mean we are monsters.

My husband had dementia. He was almost never in physical pain and he had a fairly decent quality of life, so I never wished that he would die. But he died anyway. My mother had dementia. She died without anyone ever wishing she would. Your mother and your grandmother would have died of their fatal disease whether you were in their lives or not. You are simply not powerful enough to cause their death by wishing.

Guilt is not an unusual reaction when someone close to us dies. It is probably more accurately called regret. But for it to go on so severely for years is very unhealthy. You don't deserve that.

You seem to have religious beliefs. Have you discussed this with a pastor, priest, rabbi, the head of your church?

Another option is to see a therapist. You can be completely open and honest in talking about your issues.

Don't confuse regret with guilt. Sure you regret their decline. Wishing for their relief from suffering, as well as yours, is perfectly normal. You took care of them, so no need for guilt. You deserve a medal.

Hugs to you Nermine. Just hugs. You have been through so much. Do you have anybody to talk to about how you're feeling?