Abby, I'm not trying to second guess any doctors but Alzheimer's is often misdiagnosed. What I mean is that many times it's the "go to" diagnosis like dementia is and doctors often don't try to figure out exactly what is going on. There are a lot of articles on how patients were diagnosed with Alzheimer's and actually didn't have it. I hope that it does not run in your family. You have enough diseases doing that!

One of the things that was a happy surprise after Rebecca's DS diagnosis was discovering how truly compassionate and caring our other daughters are. Most families don't get to see that in their kids until they are much, much older, but we got to see it while they were still living at home.

I'd be willing to bet that your kids are the same way - you just have to let them know that you (and grandma) need help. My guess is that you raised them to be caring individuals - give them a chance to take care of you and your mom; you might be surprised at the response.

That's been the hardest part for me - both of my parents are still alive, but my only sibling passed away 2 1/2 years ago. I had always planned on looking out for them, but that isn't going to be possible. My husband, kids and my nephew would help them in a minute if they ever need it, but they don't want to "burden" them with that, so they are making other plans.

And I've had to let that go, as much as it pains me. But it isn't fair to them to ask them to rely on me, because my health situation is uncertain. That's a reality that is hard to accept, but it IS reality.

Lean on your kids - I guarantee they will step into your shoes. And your relationships will be all the sweeter for it.