Alzheimer's Other Victims

Twice a week Sue Miller drives her husband Don to a day care center for the elderly.

He's easily the youngest person in the room, but since he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease at the age of 55, Don has required more structure and Sue has needed more of a break.

"I see more confusion, I see much slower movement and slower finding words," said Sue.

Although the journey through Alzheimer's disease has few official mileposts, since CBS News last met the Millers eight months ago, Don has moved from Stage 1 to Stage 2. He failed a driving test, can't learn new things and can't be left alone, reports CBS News Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Kaledin.

"I feel a great loss of ability to change anything. There's very little to be optimistic about in the long run," said Don.

"I'm not tired physically, I'm just emotionally so drained — emotionally and mentally I'm so drained," explained Sue.

She tells a story about the day she lost him in New York's Grand Central Station at rush hour.

"I'm going to say something perfectly horrible. I had two reactions: one was 'Oh my God what am I going to do where is he? I've lost him how could this happen?' And the other one was 'Ha!! Yeah!! Oh Boy!! Freedom!!'"

Despite her ambivalence, Sue remains dedicated to Don and the time they have left.

"We still have today. Is it the today that we wanted? No, absolutely not. But we've got it and we're going to make the most of it," said Sue.

That's the way the Beckers see things too.

Ruth Becker was in the advanced stages of Alzheimer's disease when CBS News saw her on the tennis court last fall. Now she's having increasing trouble moving, talking and relating.

As Ruth's confusion worsens, the Beckers face another crisis. ob has been diagnosed with cancer — and Ruth doesn't understand. As Ruth's main caregiver and partner of 47 years, Bob's biggest worry is her.

"My prime concern is that Ruth is comfortable happy and cared for."

Bob has also hired help around the house and says he will turn to his supportive family and friends and continue to live each day to the fullest.

"It's nice having her on the scene under any circumstances," he said. He tells Ruth: "I'm glad you're here, right? I'll take care of you, kiddo."

As the disease progresses it becomes clear, surviving Alzheimer's is as much about the health and well-being of the caregiver as the patient.

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