Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) patients and the people who are closest to them, suffer for years—the patient suffers the gradual loss of self and the friends and loved ones watch as the person they have known and loved fades away. This contrasts with the sharp, searing pain of loss that goes along with a fatal heart attack. In that case, the pain is acute, but it is quickly over. Friends can mourn, but in short order they can get on with their lives. With Alzheimer’s disease, friends and loved ones must live with the incremental loss that happens day after day. It is like a train wreck in slow motion. Continue reading →