You're here because someone you love, quite possibly one of your parents, suffers from an illness that differs from anything you've ever experienced. Other serious diseases, such as cancer, tend to affect patients physically; in that case it can be easier for you to see and understand the changes. But when the illness resides in the brain, everything is a mystery. Knowing what's happening - and what you can do to help - can make a painful challenge in life a little easier.

It's important to remember that while much confusion may surround the exact naming of your loved one's disease, the label is far less important than the actions you can take to reduce your loss. There's a lot you can do to help yourself and your family throughout this time.