My mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s three years ago.  While the progression had been slow, the last few months have witnessed a rapid, disconcerting acceleration of the disease.  Experiencing this with my mother has been a deeply emotional journey in more ways than one.   Among other things, Alzheimer’s has robbed her of memories and independence.  It’s turned family members into strangers, changed the familiar to foreign, and replaced feelings of security with perpetual fear.  Needless to say, this experience has been extremely sad and frequently brings me to tears.