Actually, I read this a while ago, and loved it. I thought it was rather poignant in how she described the gradual onset of the disease... Very sad, but elegantly handled.

What did you think?

I also read this book a while ago and remembered loving it. I actually went to see Lisa Genova speak about this book and her inspiration to write this. She said that her grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimers and watching her grandmother's decline was some of the inspiration for the book.

The author does hold a neuro-science Phd and was studying Alzheimers as part of her careeer prior to writing this novel. If you ever get the chance to see Lisa Genova speak in person, GO! She was so thought-provoking and informative that I felt like I understood the disease on a much higher level.

I've been intrigued by this book, but reluctant to read it, fearing that it would depress me. It looks like it is well written.

I too was afraid it would be depressing, but I came away with a feeing that if the warning signs are there and if (a big "if") you are cognizant of what is happening, you can control to a certain degree the progression. I don't want to spoil it for those that might read it, but putting myself in her situation, I was more disturbed by the ending then the progresion of the disease.
My mother and my mother-in-law both had Alzheimers. One enjoyed smoking, an occasional cocktail, loved deserts and thought exercise was walking to the mailbox. The other one ate salads, climbed mountains, didn't smoke and drank red wine. Both showed symtoms when they reached 80. Go figure.
The transition of reality to the state of confusion or lack of reality was the most difficult for them and heart-rending to watch. Then once they had made the full transition, it was harder on those of us left behind.
It is a dark subject, but I could identify with Alice's
need to control and despaired that things couldn't play out as she intended. I too would want to leave notes to myself. Would you?