Is the Alzheimer’s patient aware they have it? Do they suffer?

In early stages of the illness many Alzheimer’s, patients are aware that they have the disease. As the disease progresses this awareness is likely to wane. It is difficult to answer your question about suffering because suffering is, by definition, very subjective. I can tell you that there is a high rate of depression among Alzheimer’s patients and some of this depression might be related to their understanding of the diagnosis and prognosis. But certainly not everyone develops depression.

Personally, I recommend that patients be informed of their diagnosis so that they have the opportunity to participate in their care, make decisions for their future and live their life the way they wish while they still have the opportunity to do so.