Alzheimer's disease affects 5.2 million people in our country and, by 2050, the number could increase to 15 million. They call it "the long good-bye". Every 69 seconds someone receives a diagnosis of Alzheimer's or another type of dementia. One out of every 2 families in the U.S. has a member with the disease and the chance of developing it doubles every 5 years after the age of 65. Early onset Alzheimer's (affecting people in their 40s, 50s and early 60s) is also becoming more common. Over the average 8 to 10 year course of the disease the cost to the family can be devastating - physically, emotionally and financially. Before bringing a premature end to the lives of its victims it almost invariably robs them of memories, ability to function, relationships and dignity.