Survey: How many of you here know someone PERSONALLY who has Alzheimer's disease?

My father lost his life to Alzheimers (well, to the typical ALZ-related complications) in July 2000.

My mother has just been diagnosed (this morning, actually) with mild cognitive decline; and a week from Monday, she will be evaluated further and probably placed on Aricept, Namenda, or both.

My FIL has Alzheimers, he's about to move into stage 6 (he's still more a stage 5 right now but that appears to be changing).

My MIL's mother has severe cognitive decline (was moderate until this time last year), as well as a laundry list of other medical issues (NPH, survivor of bladder cancer, emphysema, asthma, etc.).

My FIL's mother lost her life just over a year ago to ALZ-related complications, plus sepsis from hip replacement surgery.

My grandfather did. It was depressing because he was the ultimate fisherman, and after Alzheimers took hold, he couldn't go out in his boat anymore because he couldn't remember which dock was his.

My sister in laws Aunt. We were asked not to say anything in question form, and not to act overly familiar because she likely didn't remember us. We had to act polite as if we were meeting her for the first time. She clearly looked agitated if someone said, "It's nice to see you again". That would upset her, and she'd end up having to leave. Horribly sad. This was lovely woman. She has since passed away.

my grandad has it

My grandma did.

I think its the worst disease to watch someone have. I hate the thought that she died not knowing who I am.

Yes - l used to work in a nursing home.

I have known a large number of people and their families as part of my vocation in life as a support worker... It is a very cruel illness..If i could keep them happy, i was happy.

I know a lot of people suffering from this debilitating disease. It's very sad and heartbreaking watching them go through the stages. It's always rewarding though to bring a bit of happiness and joy back into their lives when many of their family members 'forget' them since they forgot as well. I suppose it's just to hard on the families, but they do recognize them at times.

I do. My great-aunt does :(

No I don't know anyone, knock on wood!

I have had two family members die with Alzheimer's

fyi : caffeine from coffee can protect you from alzheimer's disease