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Books/DVDs & Reviews
Selected Readings for Individuals with Dementia
By Richard Taylor
Health Professions Press
2004
Alzheimer's from the Inside Out
A retired psychologist chronicles his feelings and experiences of having Alzheimer’s disease.
By Robert Davis
Tyndale House Publications
1989
My Journey into Alzheimer's Disease
Robert Davis, a retired minister, writes about his personal and spiritual journey through Alzheimer’s disease. This book also includes chapters written by his caregiver wife.
Selected Readings for Family Members and Caregivers of People with Dementia
For the past 25 years, I have read and recommended many books on Alzheimer’s disease to family caregivers, but I am putting The Alzheimer’s Action Plan at the top of my list.
I have long been an admirer of Lisa Gwyther, founding director of Duke’s Alzheimer’s Family Support Program. Lisa is an award winning social worker, noted author and dedicated clinician, who has in her 38-year career, always taken the practical approach to educating families, and respectfully advocating for people with dementia.
Now she has teamed up with Dr. Doraiswamy, also associated with Duke University Medical Center, to write a book that simply answers the questions they both have been asked in their long and distinguished careers, starting with the question "What would you do if she was your mother?" This question alone gives you an idea of the practical approach taken in this new, complete and up-to-date book.
The Alzheimer’s Action Plan discusses many of the topics that other Alzheimer’s caregiving books address: warning signs of dementia, the diagnostic process and treatments, and behaviors associated with Alzheimer’s. But the authors devote chapters to topics not widely written about elsewhere. ‘Clinical Trials: Can You Safely Get Tomorrow’s Treatments Today?, and "Making the Most of the Doctor’s Appointments".
And my favorite, Chapter 18, "Our Top 40 Questions and Answers", is Gwyther’s and Doraiswamy’s, version of FAQ, but the questions are answered in a bit more depth than commonly done. Many of these questions are familiar to caregivers and they will find the answers informative.
"How do I get my father to go to the doctor when he thinks nothing is wrong?"
"How do I get my brother’s children to understand that he can’t live alone anymore?"
"Why do people with Alzheimer’s make up stories or just tell outright lies? My wife tells everyone I am having an affair."
Caregivers will also feel reassured that they can go to Chapter 18 again and again to find the answers that keep them up at night. One word of advice: if you are sharing the caregiving with others, you might want to order more than one copy. I suspect everyone will want their own copy near them throughout the caregiving journey. I am making room on my book shelf for several copies of The Alzheimer’s Action Plan: one for me and several to lend to clients.
Laurie White, MSW
Dementia Care Consulting
