So many great books, but the one that has helped me the most so far is "Learning to Speak Alzheimer's" by Joanne Koenig Coste. It has given me tools to 'live in my husband's world' so I can attempt to reach him through his remaining emotions.
These are the books I have found most helpful during the ten years of my wife's Alzheimer's with me as her principal caregiver:
1. Jude Welton's, "Can I tell you about Dementia? A guide for family, friends and carers" (published by Jessica Kingsley)--an easy read of 50 pages with illustrations, but profoundly helpful in reaching loved ones in the early stages of dementia.
2. Dr Jennifer Bute with Louise Morse, "Dementia from the Inside: A Doctor's Personal Journey of Hope" (published by SPCK) which explains: "There are three key principles when it comes to understanding people with dementia. (1) There is always a reason why a person is behaving in a particular way; (2) When fats are forgotten, feelings remain; and (3) Familiar patterns of behaviour continue" (p. 64).
3. Tom Kitwood, edited by Dawn Brooker, "Dementia Reconsidered, Revisited: The Person Still Comes First" is a British classic gathered and published in 2019 by Open University Press. As Jeremy Hughes, a recent chief executive of Alzheimer's Society UK, wrote: "This important book does three things. It brings to a new generation the insight and vision of Tom Kitwood. It highlights the remarkable progress we have made in recent years. But most important of all it reminds us what still needs to be done if we are to fully respect the rights of people with dementia and their family caregivers."
4. Karrie Marshall's "A Creative Toolkit for Communication in Dementia Care" (published by Jessica Kingsley) offers specific activities no matter how severe the dementia with a conviction that "it is possible to make connections and build relationships, with or without words."
5. Tia Powell's "Dementia Reimagined: Building a Life of Joy and Dignity from Beginning to End" (published by Avery/Penguin Random House) which reflects that: “Finding the right balance between freedom and safety is hard in dementia and in life. Looking for sources of joy [and comfort while] watching out for obvious risks start us off on the path to a good life with dementia” (p. 247).
6. Luke Tanner's "Embracing Touch in Dementia Care: A Person-Centred Approach to Touch and Relationships" (published by Jessica Kingsley) could change many lives. He notes that "generally, the more help someone needs, the more that person will need to be touched in one way or another. His book is about "restoring trust in touch and identifying and removing he obstacles that stop human beings from being human to each other (pp. 15-16)
7. Matthew Johnstone's small and beautifully illustrated "The Little Book of Resilience: How to bounce back from adversity and lead a fulfilling life" (published by Robinson) does not mention dementia. He warns that: "It sounds unfair but to truly get over something you need to go through it." His advice is pertinent to dementia includes: "Learn forgiveness. Learn the art of communication. Set yourself a goal. Reward yourself." His final thoughts are: "Appreciate little things. Nurture compassion. Find joy in the moment. Learn to quiet your mind. Strive for wellbeing. Speak from the heart. Grow from adversity. Always hold onto hope. Live with love."
Sorry, too many books here--but consider choosing one or two. Reading can save you a lot of trouble in dealing with dementia.
I would like to recommend "My Mother Has Alzheimer's and My Dog Has Tapeworms: A Caregiver's Tale." For full disclosure, I wrote the book, but truly, when my husband and I were taking care of my mom with Alzheimer's, I wish I had a book like this.
I thought about the title when I was driving home form work when day, and I realized that this "broad's" once broad life was reduced to the pressing health concerns of my mom and dog.
Just finished ready "Somebody I Used to Know: A Memoir" by Wendy Mitchell. Excellent book, especially if you want to understand what it's like to be living with early Alzheimer's Disease. Wendy is a brilliant writer and her blog is so inspiring.
I have just started this journey of caregiving. I have only read Alzheimers/Dementia for Dummies, and so far it has been very helpful. Look forward to reading other books on the subject.
Second Forgetting: Remembering the Power of the Gospel During Alzheimer's Disease by Dr. Benjamin Mast. Amazon has a thorough description of the book's contents. A suggested reading for those with Alzheimer's Disease (or any kind of dementia), those caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's/Dementia, and anyone wanting to learn more about what it is and how one can assist.
I’d like to recommend two award-winning books which aren’t on your list: The Space Between: A Memoir of Mother-Daughter Love at the End of Life by Virginia A. Simpson, PhD While They’re Still Here by Patricia Williams
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A Recommended Reading List for Caregivers
1. Jude Welton's, "Can I tell you about Dementia? A guide for family, friends and carers" (published by Jessica Kingsley)--an easy read of 50 pages with illustrations, but profoundly helpful in reaching loved ones in the early stages of dementia.
2. Dr Jennifer Bute with Louise Morse, "Dementia from the Inside: A Doctor's Personal Journey of Hope" (published by SPCK) which explains: "There are three key principles when it comes to understanding people with dementia. (1) There is always a reason why a person is behaving in a particular way; (2) When fats are forgotten, feelings remain; and (3) Familiar patterns of behaviour continue" (p. 64).
3. Tom Kitwood, edited by Dawn Brooker, "Dementia Reconsidered, Revisited: The Person Still Comes First" is a British classic gathered and published in 2019 by Open University Press. As Jeremy Hughes, a recent chief executive of Alzheimer's Society UK, wrote: "This important book does three things. It brings to a new generation the insight and vision of Tom Kitwood. It highlights the remarkable progress we have made in recent years. But most important of all it reminds us what still needs to be done if we are to fully respect the rights of people with dementia and their family caregivers."
4. Karrie Marshall's "A Creative Toolkit for Communication in Dementia Care" (published by Jessica Kingsley) offers specific activities no matter how severe the dementia with a conviction that "it is possible to make connections and build relationships, with or without words."
5. Tia Powell's "Dementia Reimagined: Building a Life of Joy and Dignity from Beginning to End" (published by Avery/Penguin Random House) which reflects that: “Finding the right balance between freedom and safety is hard in dementia and in life. Looking for sources of joy [and comfort while] watching out for obvious risks start us off on the path to a good life with dementia” (p. 247).
6. Luke Tanner's "Embracing Touch in Dementia Care: A Person-Centred Approach to Touch and Relationships" (published by Jessica Kingsley) could change many lives. He notes that "generally, the more help someone needs, the more that person will need to be touched in one way or another. His book is about "restoring trust in touch and identifying and removing he obstacles that stop human beings from being human to each other (pp. 15-16)
7. Matthew Johnstone's small and beautifully illustrated "The Little Book of Resilience: How to bounce back from adversity and lead a fulfilling life" (published by Robinson) does not mention dementia. He warns that: "It sounds unfair but to truly get over something you need to go through it." His advice is pertinent to dementia includes: "Learn forgiveness. Learn the art of communication. Set yourself a goal. Reward yourself." His final thoughts are: "Appreciate little things. Nurture compassion. Find joy in the moment. Learn to quiet your mind. Strive for wellbeing. Speak from the heart. Grow from adversity. Always hold onto hope. Live with love."
Sorry, too many books here--but consider choosing one or two. Reading can save you a lot of trouble in dealing with dementia.
I thought about the title when I was driving home form work when day, and I realized that this "broad's" once broad life was reduced to the pressing health concerns of my mom and dog.
The Space Between: A Memoir of Mother-Daughter Love at the End of Life by Virginia A. Simpson, PhD
While They’re Still Here by Patricia Williams