These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.

Jed, age 62: As long as I'm doing all right, I would like to remain off of medications. Some days it's really hard, because I get confused and even frightened. But I don't tolerate medications that upset my stomach very well, and I'd like to stay feeling as well as I can until my disease progresses. My wife knows to put me on medications if I become violent or if my behaviors become burdensome to her.

MaryAnne, age 74: I was just diagnosed as being in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. I'd like to remain as mentally clear as I possibly can for as long as I can. I'm going to try taking a cholinesterase inhibitor called Aricept because it may help delay the onset of this condition for a few more months. Even though that's not a long time, every day is precious to me.

Joel, age 81: My wife, Sally, left instructions that she would like to be put on medications if her personality changes and memory loss become a burden for me. Her memory loss and thinking problems have become severe, so her doctor has prescribed a new type of medication called memantine that might reduce these symptoms. Even though no medication will prevent the disease from progressing, I want to keep my Sally with me for as long as I can.

Harrietta, age 73: Fred, who is 77, is in the later stages of Alzheimer's disease. He was taking cholinesterase inhibitors and then memantine for several years with good results. However, his body is no longer responding to the medications. He is incontinent, and the medications give him diarrhea. My sons and I have decided it's time to take Fred off the medications and let the disease run its course.