The 12 Steps of Dementia (with apologies to AA)

1. We admitted we were powerless over ALZ, that our lives had become increasingly unpredictable.

2. Came to believe that a partnership with the disease could extend acuity and functional relationships.

3. Made a decision to support efforts to mitigate, treat, and confront ALZ, and to help others through the process of detection, diagnosis, and acceptance.

4. Made a searching and fearless moral, therapeutic, and spiritual inventory of ourselves.

5. Admitted to our loved ones and those who care for us, that we are frightened, but still hopeful.

6. Were entirely ready to avail ourselves of the goodness and mercy of God as we understand God.

7. Humbly asked God to remove our shortcomings, as God sees fit.

8. Made a list of all persons we have harmed, and remain willing to make amends to them all.

9. Continue to take personal inventory and when wrong, promptly admit it.

10. Continue to make direct amends promptly and forthrightly.

11. With God's help, continue to fight against despair, even in the midst of decline.

12. Continue to thank God for the blessing of existence.