Jul, medication may not help. Aricept acted like a wonder drug for about a month with my grandmother and then she declined again, faster than ever. But if you're not happy with her care, don't be deterred by doctors who think you look young. Keep after them and be a pain in the behind -- they'll listen to you eventually just to shut you up.

My grandmother also declined dramatically her first time in rehab and I don't expect this time to be any different. But declining is a major part of this disease. My grandmother spent her last week at my house bravely trying to do what she always had -- walk, toilet herself -- but she just couldn't keep up the effort. I don't expect her to ever walk again, no matter what they try in rehab. I think she's pretty much given up.

That said, she still recognizes me and still has a semblance of a conversation with me so about all I can do while we work through the maze of finding her appropriate care is visit her, give her a kiss, and let her know she's not forgotten.

-- Tracie