How best to deal with my wife with Alzheimer's who keeps talking about suicide?

I used to talk about killing myself pretty often. The one time I got depressed enough to think about trying, it scared the crap out of me!

My point is that her words may just mean, "I'm so very very unhappy." That is still a problem, but not quite as bad as an actual suicidal intention would be. Pay attention and do something, but try not to panic.

great suggestions JG. It sounds as if possibly an antidepressant may help. I cannot even imagine how difficult AD is in the early stages when they know something is terribly wrong! But, their knowledge of the problem will go away. My mom used to be terribly upset about the disease almost constantly. Now she thinks she is perfectly fine most of the time. Does your wife have any groups or activities that she attends? We all need to be kept busy, and feel needed.

Does your wife see a geriatrician? If not, please consider switching to one, preferably one with experience with dementia (as most have).

Were her statements general, like "Oh, I wish I were dead," or "Life isn't worth living."? Or was she more specific, saying things like, "I'm going to save up my meds and take enough to kill myself"?

What stage is she in? Do you have a doctor who specifically deals with her dementia? Have you talked to that doctor about this?

My heart goes out to you.