Decoding Darkness: The Search for the Genetic Causes of Alzheimer's Disease

Fran's symptoms broke down the denial that had separated her and her brothers and sisters from their mother's disease. They mourned just as if another death in the family had occurred. To the younger ones it was as if they were losing a second mother, Fran having taken over and helped raise them when Julia had become so sick. A dispiriting, troubling waiting game began. Who among them would be next? They questioned their small lapses when alone; they watched one another when together, trying to relieve the suspicions raised by every misplaced item, every irretrievable word, every vacant look. Some among them sought out counseling and what support groups existed. They began taking the A, B, C, and E vitamins, anti-inflammatories, blue-green algae, ginkgo, rosemary -- anything they'd heard might keep the disease at bay. Malcolm cried a lot, and he prayed a lot. "God, may I find your will for me for another day."

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