Seventy percent of all Alzheimer's sufferers are cared for by someone in their own home.

Who helps these caregivers? The Alzheimer's Association sponsors local support groups which have meetings once a month both in Cortez and in Mancos for any caregiver. The group enables caregivers to talk about daily life and get help with the problems that come with this disease.

Linda Malinsky runs the local groups and provides a listening ear any time. Jim, a support group member, shared his story to let others know the challenges.

Twelve years ago Jim and Judi moved to the area after retiring from their jobs in California. Jim was a fireman and Judi a research psychologist. The couple's lives were busy. Jim cared for the llamas, the ranch, and the animals in the wildlife rehabilitation center. Judi helped Jim and was the secretary for the Rocky Mountain Llama Association.

Two years ago, at the age of 54, Judi went to the doctor because of short-term memory problems.

The doctor told Jim it was Alzheimer's. When Jim told Judi the diagnosis, she said she would kill herself if that was true. Judi wasn't the only one put off by the doctor's answer. When Jim called friends to tell them about Judi, many didn't call or come by again. Even Judi's family living on the east coast offered no help. Jim was on his own except for a few special friends and the Alzheimer's support group.

Jim said there were small signs but "we adjusted our lives to them." He now wishes he had kept a diary. Judi always handled the money, but after one sleepless night about three years ago, Jim looked in the checkbook to find transactions not written down and no balance. When Judi did things in public that were embarrassing, Jim made excuses for her.

Judi got a new computer and after three hours she was still unable to use the mouse. Jim learned later from Judi's sister that when the family flew into the airport, Judi couldn't remember how to get home.

When Alzheimer's is contracted early in life, the disease progresses rapidly. Jim’s and Judi's lives changed. Jim couldn't leave Judi alone. Any simple job became frustrating as Judi would walk away. Jim had to drop whatever he was doing and go after her, not knowing what direction she might go. In less than a year, Jim went from having Judi as a partner to taking constant care of her.

In May, Jim had heart problems and was taken to the hospital and then to Albuquerque for surgery. Since no other plans had been made for Judi's care, she went with Jim to the emergency room and then to an assisted living facility while Jim was in Albuquerque. Jim has recovered from his heart condition and knows he can no longer care for Judi himself.

He continues to work on the ranch and tries to visit Judi every day.

How do caregivers find time for themselves? What about money? When is it the right time for a facility, and which one? What about the future? Does the Alzheimer's support group help answer these questions? Jim says yes.