The Familiar Stranger Who Lives In Our Home

Book excerpt: Nancy Reagan. David Hyde Pierce. Princess Yasmin. We share something with all three. That's why you have this book in your hand. Each has had a loved one ravaged by Alzheimer's Disease. We watched them morph into complete strangers who continue to look the same. Famous or not, the five million Alzheimer's victims in this country and their families are people trying to get through this tragedy. Whether beginning the search for diagnosis, adjusting to its reality, or wondering if you are doing the right thing, you are eager for answers. Whether the victim is in the early, moderate or severe stage you have doubts. Been there and done that. To the astonishment of doctors, we kept my wife at home and thriving for thirteen years with moderate to severe Alzheimer's Disease. To do that takes dedication, planning and faith. However, we are ordinary people and we did it. Many of you can too. I wrote this book because this disease has touched nearly a hundred friends either as victims, relatives or caregivers. During one half hour at my fifty-fifth college reunion, I learned of three more stricken classmates. This book is for them, their friends, families, and you.