When someone you love is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, it can be a frightening and confusing time – and it is easy to feel overwhelmed. One of the first things friends and family members want to do is to educate themselves and learn as much as they can about the disease. For those not familiar with dementia, compiling the right information is the best offensive and can bring comfort. In addition to gathering as much information as possible from their physician, books can provide a wealth of information, understanding and clarity. Here are some of the titles recently recommended by experts for reading when a loved one is afflicted wit dementia.
Alzheimer’s Disease Reading List
When someone close to you is living with dementia, learning as much as you can about the disease can help you to be more compassionate and understanding during frustrating times; and can bring you peace if you are frightened or feel alone. Whether you are looking for in the latest research on Alzheimer’s, personal stories or counselor’s advice, there are many award winning books to choose from.
Here are some titles you may wish to procure and read:
36-Hour Day: The 36-Hour Day provides continuous updates on current support resources and information for caregivers and families. This straightforward book expounds on the very real challenges from a caregiver perspective, including coping strategies. Authors: Nancy L. Mace and Peter V. Rabbins
Activities to do with Your Parent Who Has Alzheimer’s Dementia: Activities for daily living (ADLs) are essential activities to monitor and track the progression of the disease. The activities presented are meant to inspire individuals to keep confidence levels up and encourage socialization, mobility and self-care skills. Establishing alternative methods to achieve ADLs can be frustrating, but this book will help to make tasks and personal goals attainable. Author: Judith A. Levy
The Alzheimer’s Action Plan: What You Need to Know – and What You Can Do – About Memory Problems, from Prevention to Early Intervention and Care: A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s promotes a host of questions. Family members have several possible alternatives to consider – so how can they make the right choices for their loved one? Medical professionals assist readers in establishing a successful care plan for the patient; including coping mechanisms for loved ones, clinical trial information, and thoughts on the anticipated future of Alzheimer’s research. Authors: P. Murali Doraiswamy and Lisa P. Gwyther with Tina Alder
Before I Forget: Love, Hope, Help, and Acceptance in Our Fight Against Alzheimer’s:
This book is the intensely personal memoir of a 66 year old business professional facing an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Her personal story is one of advice, challenges, and harsh realities from someone living with the disease. It is also a narrative filled with hope, love, and empowerment. She inspires other patients to stay engaged and connected to loved ones and favorite pastimes, even after this overwhelming diagnosis. Authors: B. Smith and Dan Gasby.
Creating Moments of Joy Along the Alzheimer’s Journey: A Guide for Families and Caregivers: This publication assists families and loved ones in remembering that even in the face of Alzheimer’s disease, moments of joy can still be experienced. In the initial days after a diagnosis, families can feel helpless; and while they may feel overwhelmed, the author highlights ways to help families create ongoing memories and moments with their loved ones. Author: Jolene Brackey
We are Not Ourselves: This work of fiction tells the story of a multi-generational family in America, and how their lives are altered when the patriarch is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. The author penned the novel after his own father died of Alzheimer’s, and his personal experience is inherent in the story. Author: Matthew Thomas
Slow Dancing with a Stranger: In this personal narrative, the author relates her experiences as a caregiver for her husband during his fight with Alzheimer’s disease. She writes about the effect that the condition has on both the patient and their loved ones. Comer has dedicated her life to battling for greater Alzheimer public awareness. Author: Meryl Comer
If someone you love has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, don’t lose hope. Research the information available to you and educate yourself as much as possible. If your loved one is in need of a compassionate and caring memory care center to call home, we invite you to tour A Banyan Residence in the Villages.
