I have trauma onset hydrocephalus (hit by a car while riding my bicycle to school). This resulted in hydrocephalus. I had a tracheotomy, and was tube fed for a several weeks and hospitolized for over a month. The primary result of my adult onset hydrocephalus is due to prolonged enlargement of my 4th ventricle which damaged the part of my brain controlling balance (the cerebellum). I do not have the cognative impairment that was predicted, but my motor skills, balance, and eye-hand coordination are compromised. I bet that your friends future will depend upon the location of the damage within their brain, and thus their success in an occupation may vary as well. I know that there are rehabilitation physicians that have insight into this situation, and federally funded as well as privately funded rehabilitation organizations.