Hi Barbara, I lost my mom who had Alzheimers for 8 years, and managed to stay at home until, December 5, 2009. I live in Louisville, KY, and found what I think was a miracle for my family. This is a long story, started in 1979, but I had a nursing instructor, and she loved Geriatrics, and over time, has a PhD in Geriatrics, with a passion for Alzheimers/dementia/senility/or whatever is causing this memory issue for this family member, neighbor or loved one. She can be found on the University Of Louisville website. She was given federal funds for a program entitled "Care for the Caregiver". It was wonderful to have experts explain in two session the road that is ahead for the caregiver. If anyone wants more information, I belong to Missing Mom group for now. As a result of Dr. Karen Robinson dedication to geriatrics, U of L was able to recruit an Adult neurologist who knows everything you want to know about Alzheimers, but was afraid to ask. I was fortunate enough to have him meet my mom twice, and how he treated her with respect and dignity. Long story short no one truly knows what the cause of the "Alzheimers" it is very tricky, but a biopsy after they pass on, is the only way to truly diagnose what we see, as our loved one begins the road of not remembering....Dr. Robert Friedland MD is a hero is my nursing books. I am not an authority on the issues, but if anyone has any questions, or might want some more information about what I have learned along the way....please let me know....Thank you, Belinda Rhodes