I got a Christmas card today and it brought both tears and
laughter. It was from my friend, June. I have been on her
mind for the last few days and every day she calls me and
asks me how I am. I repeat every thing I told her the day
before. Alzheimer's has wrecked a once fine mind. She was
Director of Nursing at a nearby state college until she
retired. She was one of the most independent women that
I have ever known. We have been friends through thick and
thin for 42 years and believe me there was plenty of thin.

My friend, Celeste is in the heartbreaking grip of this
disease too. She was a brilliant C.P.A. and invested so
wisely and well that she was able to secure the futures of
her daughter and grandsons. Now she is unable to recognize
many of her old friends.

I love them both and am so happy to know that they are cared
for by their families who are patient and kind. They stay
in touch and aren't unhappy, there are just huge gaps in what
they remember and what they are able to process.

Ted has been diagnosed as being in the first stages of this
disease. we immediately put him on the two drugs that we
are told are effective. They are Namenda and Aricept.

It is a horrible disease and more horrible still to know
you have it as Ted and Celeste do. June thinks she is
just forgetful because her children have shielded her from
the knowledge of her diagnosis.

I am hoping against hope for a cure or a vaccine. Dr. Jordan Tang at Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation is
coming close.