My father and several of my aunts have (had) alzheimer's. It really is shocking that so many of my elderly relatives have this. My Father passed away from other causes a year ago in August. He was sweet, although a bit adled, right up to the end.

Anyway, sorry to hear about your MIL. My own Mom is failing. Although she has really stablized and improved since we put her in a nursing home. She doesn't have Alz. though, although her memory was terribly affected by her heart issues.

I'm personally convinced this is a disease of the metabolism, a sort of glucose problem with the brain, a bit like diabetes. To that end I'm being careful of the sweets and starches in my own diet, since my destiny seems clear otherwise!