Dear Gdpawel:In 1986 my wife was diagnosed with a ventricular ependymoma,partially excised and then treated with brain and spine radiation.In 1986 she experienced a recurence and recieved chemo.Slowly she began to develop cognitive problems, and in 2001 hyprenuetermia. Her problems were monitored with MRI, and for years no major chnges were evident.Recently her sodium dropped to 114, but was slowly brought to normal levels in a Phoenix ICU(five Days).I expected her to return to her diminished but functional baseline as she had done in the past,but she immeadiately developed severe cognitive difficulties and vision loss.Doctors were unsure of the cause and prognosis and treated her with steroids before releasing her.At home she slowly stabilized but failed to reach hr previous baseline.A recent PET scan showed Alheimer like damage with much of the blue-green coloring which the Nuerologist tells me is progressive and irreversible damage.My question is why did my wife suffer this sudden fall off?What will happen now?No one can tell me anything other than take your wife home and give her salt pills.She is also taking Aricept,but after3 weeks I see no change.My wife is now a 46 year old woman who easily passes for 35.Her physical apperance belies the severity of her condition.If anyone is aware of a similar situation,and has treatment or prognosis information it would be appreciated.Your loss leaves me with great sorrow.We are judged not by how we are loved,but by how we love others.Comfort.