The 61-year-old former Bairns and Kilmarnock boss was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary 10 days ago shortly after returning home from a golfing holiday in Portugal with friends.
Last night (Wednesday) his wife Jessie (61) said: "He has improved and that's the most important news for the family. However, Alex is still very seriously ill and has a long haul ahead of him.
''We're taking everything day by day, but it's good he is showing some slight improvement and we were all so pleased when we visited this afternoon that he was able to talk to us."
Mrs Totten admitted the last days have been a "nightmare" for her and their children Kay (34) and Bruce (31).
But she said the family remains positive Alex's fighting spirit will see him through.
"Alex was a pretty fit man before this and we're praying that will stand him in good stead.
''The doctors still say it's a mystery exactly what's happened to him, but, even although he's still in intensive care and still very weak, he is making progress.
''He's not out of the woods yet and still has a long way to go, but when I think where we were a week ago things are a lot better."
Mrs Totten said the family has been "overwhelmed" by the number of messages of support worried fans conveyed through cards and on websites.
They all want Alex to be fit enough to attend his testimonial match against Rangers at Westfield Stadium on July 21, but Mrs Totten does not know yet if that will be possible.
She added: "That match is a long way off and it's just too early to say if we will be able to be there or not.
''Even if Alex continues to make progress it could still be many months before he is fully recovered."
Meantime, it has been revealed club chairman Campbell Christie has just been released from hospital after a health scare.
He was not available for comment last night, but the club has confirmed he will miss Falkirk's pre-season trip to Holland and expected to be out of action until the new season.
everyone at Killie mad wishes Alex Totten a speedy recovery