When asked what disease they fear the most for themselves, the majority of women we spoke to in the Northeast said Alzheimer's without hesitation. Cancer was mentioned by only a couple of women. The reason for the fear of a disease that affects about 5 million Americans? The loss of control and the reliance on others.

For these women, being responsible not only for their own lives but also the lives of husbands, kids, and now parents has been the norm. They know first-hand the weight of that responsibility and cannot fathom being the one causing that pressure on someone else. On a personal level, they fear the inability to care for themselves and to be self-reliant.

It was no surprise to me yesterday to see that an Alzheimer's early detection program was number one among voters participating in the American Express Members Project. I went there to vote for this project in honor of my father-in-law. He is currently in the final stages of this dreaded disease which he has suffered with fo r 10 years. During this time I have watched my husband and his sisters work diligently to educate themselves and to take active steps to prevent it through diet and mental and physical exercise.

If Alzheimer's has touched your family, please take a moment now to vote for this worthy project at www.americanexpress.com.