Submitted by jill on
Dealing with Alzheimer’s and Dementia can be difficult on everyone, the patient and the caregiver alike. Sometimes, there is nothing like a good book to help us all with our journey through dealing with this diagnosis. Here are some books that we at Seaside Health Care Services recommend:
1. The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for People With Alzheimer’s Disease, Other Dementias, and Memory Loss in Later Life by Nancy L. Mace and Peter V. Rabins. 4th ed. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 2006
Considered the “bible” for families caring for a loved one with AD, this book features practical advice and plenty of examples covering all aspects of care, including emotional issues of caring, financial details, and day-to-day coping with dementia behaviors. Also includes information about nursing homes and other types of residential living.
2. Mayo Clinic Guide to Alzheimer’s Disease: The Essential Resource for Treatment, Coping and Caregiving by Ronald Petersen, ed. Rochester, MN: Mayo Clinic Health Solutions, 2006
If you’re looking for a book that explains how Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia affect the brain, but without confusing medical jargon, this concise guide outlines how the brain works, what constitutes healthy aging, signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s, as well as recent developments in diagnosis and treatment. It also includes a caregiver action plan with tips on medication administration, behavior management, home safety, and more.
3. A Gradual Disappearance by Elizabeth Lonseth
Knowledge and information are two of the most helpful tools to aid one in coping with Alzheimer's and dementia, and with the assistance of A Gradual Disappearance, managing this disease will become much easier.” Brian Grandbouche, former Executive Director of Aegis of Dana Point: “Elizabeth Lonseth shares her personal stories of dealing with loved ones with memory loss disease…She gives us page after page of practical advice, wisdom, and grace from someone who has experienced not one, not two, but all four of her parents developing dementia as they grew older. Her insights and personal stories are touching and relatable; it is a must read for anyone coping with a family member with dementia.”
4. Creating Moments of Joy for the Person with Alzheimer's or Dementia by Jolene Brackey ©2000
Jolene Brackey has a vision. A vision that will soon look beyond the challenges of Alzheimer's disease and focus more of our energy on creating moments of joy.