Introduction

Diseases causing memory loss and neurologic degeneration are common, affecting more than 5 million Americans. Although Alzheimer's disease is the most common disease causing memory loss, many neurologic conditions have similar symptoms and are managed in approximately the same way.

The average family spends over $200,000 on care for a loved one after they have been diagnosed, yet the costs of the illness far exceed the money spent. Families selflessly devote their love, time, energy, and creativity to care for their loved ones while watching the slow agonizing progression of the disease Diseases that cause memory loss --- including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and strokes --- have a variety of symptoms that can baffle and overwhelm family members. Some of the most challenging and frightening problems rarely occur early in the disease but may "pop up" when it is least expected as the disease progresses.