Susan Berger The Washington Post

Vaginal mesh, used to repair and improve weakened pelvic tissues, is implanted in the vaginal wall. Initially, in 1998, it was thought to be a safe and easy solution for women suffering from stress urinary incontinence.

According to the Alzheimer's Association, as many as 5.4 million Americans have the disease. For friends and relatives, there is the inevitable question of how to act.

Vaginal mesh, used to repair and improve weakened pelvic tissues, is implanted in the vaginal wall. Initially, in 1998, it was thought to be a safe and easy solution for women suffering from stress urinary incontinence.

According to the Alzheimer's Association, as many as 5.4 million Americans have the disease. For friends and relatives, there is the inevitable question of how to act.