So, first, an update. Thanks all for the kind wishes about my son. His stool came back negative for H. Pylori, so the doc has found nothing wrong. She recommended Zantac, but we really don't think his symptoms are at all consistent with acid reflux. So, we're just paying attention to his symptoms, which seem to be very mild and infrequent. Maybe it's nothing.

Mom is in a good mood lately, and still really capable in so many ways. We are happily anticipating the holidays. She doesn't have a lot of gift-giving obligations, so her preparation is not stressful. But. On Jan. 15, she's schedule for neuropsychological testing, a 2-3-hour series of tests to diagnose her memory problems. If the diagnosis is Alzheimer's or any kind of progressive dementia, how will we cope? I'm terrified of what the news will do to her, that it will make her frightened, sad, upset, worried - all realistic reactions - that it will make her life miserable. And how will I handle that? Has anyone had this experience of your loved one having to cope with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's or something similar? Was it diagnosed when the person was in the early stage, like my mother - early enough to be able to think about what it will mean for the future? Is there any way to lessen the impact? I've thought about asking the doctor - by letter or something - to minimize it - like "based on your tests, I'm going to prescribe Aricept to help your memory." But she has a right to know...

I'll appreciate any advice or comments. Thanks!