Vernor Vinge is a writer annex professor in mathematics and physics. One of his last books ” Rainbows End” explores a near-future scenario with an interesting twist. 
What if Alzheimer could be cured? Some elderly patients would regain their full mental capabilities after maybe 10 or 20 years of being disconnected. They would have to be reintegrated in a hyperconnected world where you cannot function as a citizen without using the tools. Vinge postulates some technological advancements which are close to the current state: high bandwidth wireless connections everywhere, wearable computers, contact lenses that can superimpose images on what you see. This would allow for instance children to superimpose their fantasy game environment (i.e.World of Warcraft) upon reality. Teaching would change to immersing the class in a collective superimposed environment.
And chatting? Still there ;-)
As for curing Alzheimer? Some recent developments give a lot of hope.
” A slow, chronic starvation of the brain as we age appears to be one of the major triggers of a biochemical process that causes some forms of Alzheimer’s disease.”
