It's very hard to watch, Wes. My grandfather suffered Alzheimer's before he died. He completely forgot who I was about five years before he died. I was upset with myself that I didn't feel like I really grieved him when he died, but then I realized that I had been grieving his loss five years before we lost him.

It does make me worry for my father, since these things are believed to be genetic.

We are blessed that my maternal grandmother is 99 and has zero dementia. She reads a book a day. I've already told my boss that I don't care what special projects we may have going on - I'm going to be going home for her 100th birthday.

Sorry about your aunt, I do know how hard it is on those who love her.