By: Faye Hoffman

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (abc40) -- This is Alzheimer's awareness month, and while doctors and researchers are learning more about the disease all the time, there is still no cure.

Pictures John Yahres have on his computer are from a happier time.  Now, because of Alzheimer's, Cathy Yahres doesn't even recognize her husband.  "I call it a lousy disease." says John Yahres.  And that's putting it mildly.  Alzheimer's patients are robbed of their memories, dignity, and independence. "Today she can't do any activities of daily living." says Yahres.  "She doesn't show any of the joy that she used to have.  The smile, the glint, the laugh.  It's not there."

Yahres says he began noticing something was wrong with his wife about ten years ago.  Although the couple was in denial, Cathy's telltale symptoms eventually got her into a neurologist for a diagnosis.  "She went in screaming and hollering that there was nothing wrong with her... But deep down inside, I believe she knew that there was a real problem, and she had to be terrified."

Dr. Ben Liptzin, the Chief of Psychiatry at Baystate Health, helps diagnose and treat Alzheimer's patients.  He says we've come a long way in terms of the medications available to treat the symptoms, and the disease.  And while it may be too late for Cathy, John can take comfort in the work he does with the Alzheimer's Association, which may one day help find a cure.  "If we can find something that will stop it in its tracks, or even better, prevent Alzheimer's, we will realize what the mission of the Alzheimer's Association is, which is a world without Alzheimer's." says Dr. Liptzin.