Dear Dr. Hilfier - I applaud YOU for your acceptance, taking the time to explain and help your grandchildren accept your changes and for sharing such a positive story! My grandmother had Alzheimer's and now so does my mom. I would not be surprised if some day I too developed the disease. If so, I shall use your example as my inspiration! Thank you for sharing.

Good article! But my children remember a grandfather getting angry at this stage of his memory loss... and that caused them to seperate from him. I know dad didn't want to get mad but couldn't stop.

His grandchildren were beautiful, young and accepting, what a blessing. My mother's grandchildren find excuses not to come and visit her. She does have angry outbursts that they do not wish to see. It makes me sad that they choose to hide from her rather than enjoy the lucid moments she still has.

I think this article is so heartwarming and gives hope, and somehow normalizes this sad process as well as puts the 'patient' in a place of feeling understood - bravo!

Dr Hilifiker offers a very profound and courageous view from the inside on dementia.
As a physician he knows the rough road ahead that he faces but he is accepting of the course of his disease rather than being in denial. He is also being very proactive with his grandchildren allowing them to understand his disabilities as the condition progresses and helping them see that their Grandpa is still here but needs their love, companionship and help as he would with any physical ailment. I can only applaud his attitude and wish the family all the strength they will need in the coming years.

Wow! Beautiful piece of writing and explanation of how "children shall (indeed)lead them all"!!! Thanks for sharing.

re: dementia, add canned full-fat coconut milk to coffee, virgin coconut oil to vegs, salad, etc. if dementia is related to hyperinsulinemia, this could help, and if not, what harm?