Book Description
As our understanding of aging and Alzheimer's, and the cultural changes related to these phenomena, grows so do the implications for interior design. Focus on recent innovations in care environments for the aging with a resource dedicated to this topic. This comprehensive book features:

• Coverage of the emerging building types of adult day care and hospice and the increased use of gardens and outdoor space in environments for the aging.
• Material on sustainable design and environmentally friendly building products.
• Design solutions that extend beyond assisted-living facilities and nursing homes as they can be easily adapted for residential use.
• Photographs, line drawings, and a 16-page color insert that bring the material to life.

Order your copy of this book today. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Aging & Alzheimers
Excellent background information that gives a solid foundation re: diseases, accidents, aging process and what the results are, including as it relates to designing residential faciliaties.Good photos and LOTS of information.Excellent resource, particularly for the design industry ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (6)

Making Life Easier
What an impressive book - you get 400+ pages of ways to make life more comfortable for someone with Alzheimers.These also help the caregiver in a variety of situations.
The advice covers things like how to deal with wandering and gives four types of this behavior.It tells how to eliminate places to hide and rummage, coping with fears (of bathing, of strangers, of abandonment), and managing incontinence.
The book helps with mobility issues, addresses safety and how to manage daily living. It includes a valuable section (38 pages) lists where to find special products from stair lifts to bathing aids to ramps to bedwetting alarms.
I'm so glad to see a book this comprehensive to assist with Alzheimer's needs.

A caregiver's bible
Since first reading this book over 14 months ago, I've found it a constant source for information and resources. It addresses the problems I encounter on a daily basis AND gives sources for products that I can use to provide better care for my loved one.

Beverly Bigtree Murphy, author, "He Used to be Somebody,"
This book is a must for caregivers and professionals facing the challenges of Alzheimer's.It is the first book I've read devoted to Alzheimer's care that offers something more than reasons to institutionalize our people.Caregivers need information, options and where to access tools andresources before they can make informed decisions about their choices ortheir role as caregiver.As someone who spent 25 years designingrehabilitations plans for handicapped people and another 10 years facingthe care of my husband, Tom, who died of this disease in our home, this isthe first volume I've picked up that speaks of caregiving in positive,life-giving, do-able terms and not the drudgery that we are all led tobelieve consumes the process.While it offers pragmatic, workable,affordable solutions to caregivers, it never loses sight of the continuedhumanity and needs of our family members for love and regard in spite oftheir loss of cognitive skills.My experience as a caregiver was met withnothing but obsticles in my quest to keep my husband home, a journey Irelate in my book, "He Used to be Somebody."I found Tom's careproblems were 75% attitude and 25% tools, resources and help.This bookoffers both to families.I highly recommend it.

Much more than a how to book...
Mark Warner's book on Alzheimer's proofing your home is more than a how to book.Mr. Warner gives an in-depth description of the ways in which Alzheimer's disease affects a person's life, and the life of the extendedfamily. By understanding the disease in depth and the changes that takeplace in a person physical and emotional need, there is a context tounderstanding why modifications and alterations are needed.He explainswhat to do and why to do it.His approach is that of a loving caregiverwho not only wants to make the home safe and secure, but also wants toraise the quality of life. . Modifications are practical, but also designedto bring comfort. Even after over two decades of workingprofessionally with people with memory loss, many of his suggestions caughtme by surprise. I kept saying to myself, "why didn't I think ofthat?" He addresses all the behaviors associated with the disease,from wandering to agitation, and suggests environment solutions that couldease the situation.Not only will this bring a higher level of comfort tothe person with the disease, but many of the suggestions are a benefit foranyone who wishes to have a safe and barrier free home.I recommend thisbook to anyone caring for someone with Alzheimer's, anyone involved in homecare, and anyone who is interested in altering environments to meetspecific needs of unique individuals.Like any thoughtful book, his ideasabout adapting environments to the needs of people with Alzheimer's diseasealso stretches one's thinking about changing environments for anyone withspecific needs, or who wants to think about the highest level of safety forfamily members.

...THE BEST OF THE BEST!
"...Alzheimer's Proofing Your Home" is the most complete, most helpful, and most insightful volume I have read on the subject of AD care. With incredible attention to detail, every issue one could encounter isaddressed individually. It isn't enough to have a how-to-do-it manual withAD - Mark confronts matters like behavior, wandering, mobility, safety andcomfort with deep sensitivity and compassion. A rich, in-depth source ofinformation, Mark explains in detail how to transform any home into a safehaven in a manner that the patient will find warm and welcoming. Cognitive,spatial, and emotional deficits can be compensated for using Mark's wellthought out guidelines, and I wish his book had been around when I begancaregiving many years ago. There are many books on the subject, all fillinga need; but Mark's is far and away superior to anything I've read, which isconsiderable. Hundreds of situations and their remedies are explored.Concerns encountered as AD progresses are addressed one by one, with awealth of hints, tips, and shortcuts that are the lifesaver of harriedcaregivers. Easy to accomplish safety and comfort measures are provided -how needed! Emphasis is placed on concerns all CGs share - how to keeploved ones protected and content, AD being the antithesis of both. Mark hasgiven us an instructional book, made warm and personal because it's aboutindividuals and their needs. There is a comprehensive listing of productand service providers for caregivers, and most of the numbers are tollfree. The title of this book does not begin to do it justice, it's so muchmore. Plus, it's very attractively bound - a beautiful volume of superiorquality. Among my treasured books on the subject of dementia caregiving,this is my bible. ..........Sue B. ... Read more

Book Description
In recent years, remarkable progress has been made in treating, managing, and preventing Alzheimer's. With information about the latest medical advances, coping strategies for caregivers, and affecting accounts from families dealing with this disease, There's Still a Person in There presents a new understanding of Alzheimer's-one that is optimistic, courageous, and comforting.

"One of the best sources of help for Alzheimer's since...The 36-Hour Day. An absolute standout."-Kirkus Reviews

"Reflects the latest thinking in Alzheimer's disease diagnosis, management and care...an important and valuable resource for professionals and families."-David Troxel, MPH, Director, Santa Barbara Alzheimer's Association

"Provide[s] a helpful review of controversial topics such as the use of alternative therapies and potential ways to prevent Alzheimer's...A Must Read."-William E. Haley, Ph.D., Professor and Chair, Department of Gerontology, University of South Florida

"An indispensable guide for patients, caregivers, and anyone who must deal with Alzheimer's disease."-Publishers Weekly ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

There's Still a Person In There
I thought this book was one of the better books I have read about Alzheimers disease.I have a family member with early Alzheimers, and it gave me a lot of insight into where this disease is going. It is both frightening and illuminating to deal with this, and reading about the frustrating experiences with the medical profession, and the public, help us understand what the caregivers are going through, as well as the patient. I recommend it for anyone who has a family member or friend with Alzheimers. Since the prediction isthat half the people over 85 with have some form of dementia, this would be a good book for baby boomers to read.

Poignant Caregiver Stories & Helpful Reference
This book combines the latest medical and scientific information with actual stories by caregivers about their experiences and observations caring for loved ones with Alzheimer's.Each experience was unique.

Reading the stories prepared me for what I might expect to see my father go through, and also told of experiences to which I could relate: hey, that happened to me and my dad too! I felt so much less alone.

The chapters of medical information gave me the background necessary to understand this awful disease and the physical changes that my father was experiencing.I highly recommend this book to anyone dealing with Alzheimer's.

THERES STILL A PERSON IN THERE
I bought this book because I have an 84 year old father with Alz.

I found it interesting, and not as dry and dull as I had expected. I had a hard time putting it down even though MANY situations describe my family's case very closely and it hit near to my heart.

I recommend this book, even over the 36 HOUR DAY, as very informative. I particularly appreciated the personal stories, but did not care for the technical aspects described. I did learn a lot, and if you are not sure of your "person's" diagnosis, I feel this book just might help you figure out what is wrong. It made me more sure of the dx Alzheimers and skeptical of the dementia diagnosis by some and the nothing wrong diagnosis by other family members.

Good Luck and Lots of Love from me to all who need this book.

lpp 5-6-05

Feel Less Alone
A great help to anyone starting down the caregiving journey. Caregivers will benefit from reading how other's have survived their caregiving situations. Insights, solutions and practical advise.
In addition, you may want to read my book, Elder Rage, if you are coping with a challenging elder who is starting to show signs of dementia. Both books will help you cope.

Jacqueline Marcell, Author, Elder Rage, and Host of the Internet Radio Program, Coping With Caregiving.

Great Stories
The medical information may be out of date now, but the stories are well worth the price of the book.

You think you know Alzheimer's?You don't know Alzheimer's.Read these stories. ... Read more

Book Description
A practical, thorough approach to the development of therapeutic special care settings

Research has shown that physical surroundings strongly influence the behavior and quality of life of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Designing for Alzheimer's Disease equips designers and care providers with the information they need to plan environments that can greatly enhance the lives of those with Alzheimer's. Explaining in concise, nontechnical terms how the disease affects cognitive and functional skills, the book offers detailed guidance on a broad range of design issues that are central to the creation of therapeutic care settings. The book features:

• Specific design suggestions that are linked to therapeutic goals, such as increasing mobility, reducing confusion, promoting safety, and maximizing functional abilities
• In-depth treatment of design criteria for lighting, color, pattern, texture, acoustics, and more
• Extensive information on furnishings, fabrics, floor coverings, wall and ceiling finishes, windows and window treatments, plus product information and specifications
• Flexible coverage of special care settings in nursing homes, assisted-living facilities, and residential environments — key information on room size, shape, and arrangement; outdoor space; wayfinding; safety; and security
• Over 100 photographs and line drawings that clearly illustrate the design principles — including a 16-page color insert

The nation's entire aged population is increasing rapidly, and the most dramatic rise is occurring in the over-85 age group. With the baby boom generation set to join the ranks of the elderly shortly after the turn of the century, clearly we will need more healthcare settings and other facilities for an older population with a growing demand for long-term care services.

In this context, it is vital for architects, interior designers, and those who deliver services to older people — whether designing senior housing or any healthcare setting for the elderly — to increase their knowledge of normal age-related changes, Alzheimer's disease, the physiological changes and special needs of residents with dementia, and the impact of the environment on elderly residents' ability to function.

Designing for Alzheimer's Disease provides a much needed understanding of this debilitating illness and the effect of design on residents' independence, mobility, and emotional well-being. Filled with detailed guidance on the creation of special care settings that address patient needs and support therapeutic goals, the book examines essential design criteria in such key areas as lighting, color, acoustics, safety, and wayfinding. Important considerations involving room size, shape, use, and arrangement are covered in depth, along with specific information on materials and furnishings selection — from floor coverings and window treatments to fabrics, patterns, and ceiling finishes. Over 100 photographs, including a 16-page color insert, give full expression to the design principles discussed in the text.

Designing for Alzheimer's Disease offers a complete blueprint for effective design development and implementation, with the full benefit of Elizabeth Brawley's extensive professional background in design for aging environments and her own family's experience with Alzheimer's disease. Easily adapted for use in home or healthcare settings, this book is a vital resource for architects, interior designers, nursing home administrators, and care providers — an invaluable aid in creating better care environments that allow individuals to function more independently, provide security and peace of mind, and improve quality of life. ... Read more

Book Description
Daniel learns that since Grandpa has Alzheimer's disease, he will havetrouble remembering all the things that belong to him-his clothes, hiswords, his memories-and eventually, his own grandson. Features gentlenarrative and easy-to-understand explanations. ... Read more

Product Description
The prevalence of Alzheimer's disease is increasing and the number of families impacted by the disease is rising accordingly. The financial burden associated with the treatment and care of Alzheimer's patients makes it one of the most expensive diseases in the world. Alzheimer's Essentials has been updated and this second edition provides families and caregivers the essential information they need to better understand the disease and how to take care of their patient. Concise and to the point, this book is a must read for anyone needing information about Alzheimer's disease. ... Read more

Book Description
Four million Americans currently suffer from Alzheimer's disease and experts estimate that 22 million people around the world will be so afflicted by 2025.Far too many families are struggling with the emotionally and physically draining responsibility of redefining their relationship with, and caring for, someone who not long ago was a vibrant member of society, yet may not know their own name today.A Dignified Life helps combat the burnout and frustration that often accompany the task of caring for an Alzheimer's patient.Author David Troxel, an Alzheimer's expert and executive director of the California Central Coast Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, maintains that at its simplest this approach is based on treating the person like a best friend and working from their strengths, not their weaknesses.He explains: "As family members, caregivers and professionals, we have to try to connect with them.People with this disease in some way need someone to be... attentive and empathetic--someone who really tries to walk a mile in their shoes."A Dignified Life goes beyond the typical tips offered by most books and takes advantage of readers' instinctive desire to build friendships and taps into the intuitive aspect of caregiving that is part of our very nature.It provides a complete model for care built around creative and effective communication and meaningful activities and includes touching stories that demonstrate how the Best Friends method continues to improve the lives of both those who have Alzheimer's disease and those who care for them. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

A Dignified Life
I think this book is an excellent book in givig ideas as to the different problems that can occur when caring for one that has AD.It gives examples of the do's and don't's during various problems that can arise in caregiving

Terrific!
I had the opportunity to work with Ms. Bell at the Helping Hands center almost 10 years ago. It is an amazing program and she is the most amazing person I have ever met. This book teaches you the fundamentals of how the Day Care operates and how to communicate with those afflicted with Dementia. After all these years I still rely on this book and its teachings in my work as a therapist.

Good idea
This book was very easy to read and understand and for someone just starting caregiving the book gives some good ideas. I do think though that for more indepth information there are better books out there.

The single best book on caring for a family member with Alzheimer's disease
As a professional in the Alzheimer's field, as well as a family caregiver, I have read dozens of books on caring for people with Alzheimer's disease. Though there are many excellent ones (Claudia J. Strauss's "Talking to Alzheimer's" and Bell & Troxel's "The Best Friends' Book of Alzheimer's Activities" are other favorites), this is the first book I most recommend to anyone on the challenging journey of caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease. It is simply superb.

VERY HELPFUL!
I am a hospice chaplain and have numerous
patients who have AZ as well as my own 78
yr opld mother.
These suggestions (helped by actual suggested
dialogue) are very good and actually work.
I intuitively created some of the scenarios
with my mom before I read this book, but I have
used some of their suggestions as well and given this
book to my father and other older spouses and
friends who have loved ones with AZ. It is an
incredibly challenging disease that calls for
LOTS of patience and grace...just "go with it"
and you will be blessed with their extraordinary
courage as they learn to cope. My mother knows
something is wrong with her memory but does not
know what to do about it. Treating her with dignity
and respect takes time and thought but the Golden
Rule applies at every moment. ... Read more

Book Description

Revised in 2006 for its twenty-fifth anniversary, this best-selling book is the "bible" for families caring for people with Alzheimer disease, offering comfort and support to millions worldwide. In addition to the practical and compassionate guidance that have made The 36-Hour Day invaluable to caregivers, the fourth edition is the only edition currently available that includes new information on medical research and the delivery of care.

The new edition includes:

-new information on diagnostic evaluation-resources for families and adult children who care for people with dementia-updated legal and financial information-the latest information on nursing homes and other communal living arrangements-new information on research, medications, and the biological causes and effects of dementia

Also available in a large print edition

Praise for The 36-Hour Day:

Customer Reviews (27)

An eye opener!
Wow, this book has it all.It's been very helpful, in that I hadn't read anything other than blurbs on the net about alzheimer's disease. A cousin suggested it as the best reference book she's found. My dear aunt is suffering from it now, and as a part-time caregiver, I see that the events I see in her life are a progression of the disease, I can expect certain symptomology in the future. It's given me more insight on a cruel time of her life.

The 36-Hour Day
This book contains the most helpful information for a caretaker of someone with dementia.It tells you what you might be able to expect in the future and how to prepare for it.It helps you understand so much about dementia, especially Alzheimer's Disease.I have recommended it to many people.I highly recommend it to anyone caring for someone with dementia.

A Lifesaver
I wish I had bought this book many years ago!It makes you realize you are not alone in your struggles of taking care of someone withmemory issues.The ideas for how to deal with the problems are exceptional!Thanks so much for taking the time to write such a book!

Very Interesting
This book was very informative and helpful in understanding what is going on with a family member and what we can anticipate in the future.It gives a good overview of dementia and everything related to it.

36 hours
greatly written and tells a lot.Has been a lot of help in understanding these health problems ... Read more

Product Description
A guide for Alzheimer's carrgivers takenfor coach Broyle's personal experience and the experiences of many other caregivers in Arkansas. ... Read more

Amazon.com
This first-person account of Alzheimer's ties several powerful storiestogether. Losing My Mind blends personal history with the fear and painof developing the disease at the age of 57; it is both a sadly fascinatingaccount of Alzheimer's progression and an attempt for the writer to remember hispast before it is gone for good.

While his history is recounted in chronological order, these memories--of hischildhood; marriage to his wife, Joyce; their years in writing and politics; hispassion for herbs and the growing of a successful business--are interspersedwith unrelated musings on everything from his cat's sudden deafness to losinghis wallet. Clips from articles on Alzheimer's research are sprinkled around,and statistics like the $174,000 that a patient spends on the disease over alifetime are sobering. Throughout the book, he clearly speaks of his diagnosisas a "sentence"; the lack of a cure is dwelt on in many sections, and a storyabout an accidental overdose of his prescriptions is particularly grim.

This is not a book that supplies any "power of positive thinking" messages, butinstead shows the daily struggle of a man coming to terms with a terribledisease. Poignant and thoughtful, DeBaggio's life will hold meaning for anyonewho has been touched by Alzheimer's. --Jill LightnerBook Description
"We are foolish, those of us who think we can escape the traps of aging," writes Tom DeBaggio. "I was one of them, dreaming of a perfect and healthy old age....Now, at fifty-eight, I realize the foolishness of my dreams as I watch my brain self-destruct from Alzheimer's." Losing My Mind is DeBaggio's extraordinary account of his early onset Alzheimer's, a disease that "silently hollows the brain" and slowly "gobbles memory and destroys life." But with DeBaggio's curse came an unexpected blessing: the ability to chart the mechanics and musings of his failing mind.

Whether describing the happy days of his youth or lamenting over the burden his disease has placed upon his loved ones, DeBaggio manages to inspire the reader with his ability to function, to think, and ultimately to survive. By turns an autobiography, a medical history, and a book of meditations, Losing My Mind is a testament to the splendor of memory and a triumphant celebration of the human spirit.Download Description
When Tom DeBaggio turned fifty-seven in 1999, he thought he was about to embark on the relaxing golden years of retirement -- time to spend with his family, his friends, the herb garden he had spent decades cultivating and from which he made a living. Then, one winter day, he mentioned to his doctor during a routine exam that he had been stumbling into forgetfulness, making his work difficult. After that fateful visit, and a subsequent battery of tests over several months, DeBaggio joined the legion of twelve million others afflicted with Alzheimer's disease. But under such a curse, DeBaggio was also given one of the greatest gifts: the ability to chart the ups and downs of his own failing mind. Losing My Mind is an extraordinary first-person account of early onset Alzheimer's -- the form of the disease that ravages younger, more alert minds. DeBaggio started writing on the first day of his diagnosis and has continued despite his slipping grasp on one of life's greatest treasures, memory.In an inspiring and detailed account, DeBaggio paints a vivid picture of the splendor of memory and the pain that comes from its loss. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (23)

Losing My Mind
We can probably all relate to this title, however, this is a road map into the mind of Thomas DeBaggio, who was a professional herb grower and journalist, and how he dealt with his journey into Alzheimers disease. It wanders a bit, as the mind does with this disease, and your heart will go out to him struggling to be his own person.This disease robs you of your person.

No Escape

At one point in this sad autobiography the author states, "We are foolish, those of us who think we can escape the traps of aging."In Mr. Debaggio's case he found himself caught in one of those traps when he was 57 years old. Healthy and robust, with an optimistic look to the future he one day is told that he is a victim of early onset Alzheimer's disease. The author, who is a talented writer of books on gardening, decides to write a book describing his gradual mental deterioration.

Losing My Mind shifts back and forth between comments on his present condition, excerpts from medical articles, and reminiscences on his past life. This is not an inspirational book. Mr. DeBaggio is depressed, frightened, and filled with despair over his future. Fortunately his writing skills are still intact enough that he can fluently describe his descent into the abyss.

It is not the author alone who suffers. His wife is grief stricken that she is going to gradually lose her life's companion, and she feels totally frustrated in knowing that she can do nothing to help him. His grow son shares her grief, and also worries that he will eventually suffer the same illness.

Increasingly he has to hunt for words to express himself. He raises herbs for a living, and begins to forget their names. He goes to a store to operate a copying machine, and finds he can't figure out how to operate this rather simple device. Writing this book helps him to hold on to our world. He spends a lot of time reminiscing about his childhood, because those memories still are clear in his mind.

Mr. DeBaggio has received, as he puts it, a death sentence, and that thought remains constantly in mind. He courageously tackles each day one by one, but knows he is fighting a losing battle. I am an older person who has a deteriorating condition that gradually causes me increasing pain, so I have a glimmer of what he is going through. What will our status be next month, next year? It is interesting that he mentions that dealing with his diagnosis is one thing, but dealing with some of his well-wishers is often more difficult. There are the people who suggest that if he would just take some sort of sea weed or herbal medicine he would be restored to normal. Folks like that mean well, but their suggestions show a total lack of understanding of the forces at work in his physical condition, and, in a sense, diminish the seriousness of the problem (I've experienced the same thing).

This book is remarkable. It gives us a view of the problems, thoughts and torment that are part of an Alzheimer's sufferer's life. It is anything but a joyous book. It is one that points out how close we live to the threat of ultimate disaster.

Very helpful for family and caregivers, albeit frightningly honest
Mr. DeBaggio is so wonderful to have shared his experiences with diagnosis, physicians, others reactions, and his own struggle to understand and deal with what is happening to him.This book brought a new enlightenment to me, newly dealing with a family diagnosis.It is so easy to forget the person who is actually fighting with the disease when it affects so many in the family.His true account of what his feelings are throughout the months it took to write the book has given me more compassion for my mom and the ability to be angry at the disease as the culprit for all of the cruel things that are happening to all of us while we watch the progression.Thank you, Mr. DeBaggio, for opening my eyes to my mom's struggles.

An Interesting Read
For those interested in this subject this book is an engaging and rewarding read.Some may find DeBaggio's anguish a bit excessive, but to me it was a genuine expression of his emotion, not buffered by what is 'proper'.

A Courageous Work
How to describe "Losing My Mind." The author, Thomas DeBaggio wrote it as a person making the lonely journey into the opaque fog of dementia. What courage!Dementia is a disease that knows no boundaries. It is blind to the categories in which we usually place our fellow human beings. It can occur at the age of 55 or 85. It can happen to Blacks, Whites, Hispanics, Asians, Jews, Christians, Muslims, males and females, rich and poor. It has not spared ex-presidents.Dementia did not spare my mother whose tale is told in my own recently published memoir. I recommend "Losing My Mind" to anyone dealing with this terrible disease either by him or herself or in a loved one.

Robert Tell, Author of "DEMENTIA DIARY, A Care Giver's Journal" ... Read more

Book Description
In a culture that worships youth and beauty, more people than ever will be facing the problems of aging. Perhaps the least understood and most feared of the aging diseases are Alzheimer's and the other neurodegenerative diseases like Huntington's and Parkinson's. Because these diseases destroy the mind as well as the body, they seem to rob the victims of all the qualities that once made them human. They engender a hopelessness in the medical profession and families alike, resulting in a sense that these people are already gone. Yet, in Symphony of Spirits Dr. Forrest shows through her unique experiences as a geriatric care giver that if we acknowledge the spiritual dimension of these patients, the "worthless" last years of people suffering from these types of diseases can be the most valuable.When Dr. Forrest took a temporary position at a geriatric hospital in Atlanta, she trusted her extensive medical training to prepare her for the physical and mental challenges of working with elderly patients suffering with dementia. But she quickly learned it just wasn't enough.Working alongside three unique caregivers, Native American nurses with deeply held spiritual beliefs and an uncompromising respect for all life, Forrest experienced a new way of looking at life and death that valued these special patients as "undiscovered treasures." Through her patients, like Momma Sissy, a 102 year-old African American woman who still worked a farm in South Carolina and Stephen Z., a retired engineer whose wife of 50 years still spoke of their ongoing love for each other, Forrest came to appreciate the special wisdom that comes from living life.Working especially with Aunt Mel, an independent strong-willed elder and Granny Ada, the matriarch of an Appalachian mountain clan, taught Forrest the importance of loving relationships for long-term mental and physical health.In the tradition of Raymond Moody and Deepak Chopra, Dr. Forrest proposes a momentary suspension of scientific skepticism and prejudice for a more poignant, humanizing method of caring for Alzheimer's patients.Download Description
Through her own unique experiences as a nurse in a geriatric hospital, Dr. Deborah Forrest reveals the rich spiritual life of those suffering with Alzheimer's and offers a message of hope, comfort and inspiration to the 4 million families coping with this disease. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

A MUST Have!
This book is a must have for caregivers or anyone who has a family member with Alzheimer's.You can read it through or just pick out chapters that will help you at the time, but the biggest help to me was Chapter 12 about Approaching Death. It gave me the comfort and help that I needed.I've read many books on the subject, but this has been the most helpful yet because it is based on love.

This Book Has The Answers You Are Looking For....
This is the book that changed everything for me. Its about approaching this disease with Love, Strength and Courage.
Frena shows you how to get thru a day at a time and most of all how to keep yourself intact. We get lost in this disease, it consumes whole families. She shows you how to listen, your loved one is still within this person afflicted by this disease,you just have to listen carefully and you will see the person you love is still inside and has alot to tell.She shows you how to cope. Frena is my strength, she gave me the tools from reading her book 3 years ago. This book is my foundation and Frena is an angel. No other book affected me as much as this one. If you want to truly understand this disease, this is it!

Great Learning Tool
For anyone with a loved one suffering with Alzheimer's this is the book to get. It will help you understand the disease and how to cope. Written in everyday language it is packed with information on the stages these victims go through and how you can help them. One of the best I've read!

A book that packs a powerful message about Love
This is a tremendous resource for people who believe in the healing power of Love. Frena Gray Davidson has written a very spiritually centered book that will inevitably help any caregiver and their loved one.

She speaks about how we'll see the "divine child" untouched by darkness or sickness - our loved one - emerge in this process. And she states that we must listen to the feeling behind the words. That little statement has changed my life. When someone asks for their mother, who may have passed on decades earlier, they're really seeking comfort and security and reassurance. We need to hear their feelings that lie in back of their words.

She goes on to say that 30% of language is verbal, the rest is expressed in body language and behavior.

Further on she makes the observation that Alzheimer's patients are sensitive to the thoughts of those around them and to always give plenty of Love, both in word, action and thought.

She states that "unconditional Love is not a measure, it is a flow. You cannot give it or get it, you can only be part of it. When you love a person with Alzheimers, clarity and awareness come to that person."[p149]

The other wonderful point she makes is that so much of our disappointment in Alzheimers patients is tied to our notion of their "proper" mortal identity. Your mother doesn't know she's your mother anymore, but you can value and cherish who she is in the here and now. Don't live in the past but nurture the childlike qualities she is expressing in the present.

Tons of good advice. The other book I'd recommend for anyone dealing with Alzheimers is "Science and Health with key to the Scriptures" by M. B. Eddy. It is a terrific sourcebook on powerful prayers that heal and restore. It is the "how-to" book of prayer.

Your first choice book on Alzheimer's disease.
Frena Gray-Davidson is the ultimate "been there, done that" person in Alzheimer's care.Her book is a support group that can always be with you, ready to speak to the issues that concern you now and prepare you for what is likely to concern you in the future.All parts of this bookwill help you meet the challenges of dementia care, however severalchapters are of special value.Chapter 2, Before Diagnosis and chapter 4,Family Crisis Alzheimer's Style guide families in the early stages of thedisease.Chapter 11, Knowing When To Let Go, answers some of the toughquestions about placement in a care facility. The final chapter, Moving On,gives guidance for that time when caregiving is no longer the top priority.In keeping with her theme not to lose the person in the process ofcoping with the disease, Ms. Gray-Davidson leads us away from usingpsychiatric terms to label behaviors and thought patterns which result fromdiminishing cognitive ability.She explains what may look like paranoia as"a reasonable fear response, given the limitations of thedisease." She makes what is often labeled delusional thinking easierto understand as "memory which has drifted into some point in thepast."She writes with compassion and humor, creating therapy for thecaregiver and family members.The book is interesting to read and easy tounderstand.As a Geriatric Care Consultant, I have often loaned my copyof The Alzheimer's Sourcebook for Caregivers to my clients.Most of themreturn it with the comment that they have purchased copies for themselvesand for family members. This started with the 1st edition and is continuingwith the 3rd.I can make no higher recommendation. ... Read more

Book Description
With the number of individuals diagnosed with Alzheimers continuing to grow, it is estimated that by the middle of the twenty-first century this devastating disease will affect more than ten million Americans. With these alarming increases, the number of people needing a concise, comprehensive, and affordable guide to treatment has soared. A Caregiver's Guide is designed for use by paid caregivers and families alike. It provides information about Alzheimers disease, its diagnosis and stages, and treatments. It offers up-to-date suggestions for ensuring a safe home environment, as well as practical tips on communicating, activities, bathing, eating, spirituality, and sexuality. ... Read more

Book Description
According to the National Institute on Aging, there are currently four million sufferers of Alzheimer's disease in the United States. This number is expected to increase to 15 million by the year 2050. Despite these startling figures, very few resources are available for patients and their loved ones.

The Everything® Alzheimer's Book provides authoritative information on the disease, its symptoms, current treatments, and effective management. This comprehensive book includes a primer on basic brain function and thorough descriptions of the symptoms of the disease, which can include memory loss, disorientation, and delusions.

This completely up-to-date work helps families:

· Recognize and deal with dementia
· Manage medications
· Alzheimer's-proof the home
· Handle financial and legal issues
· Know the pros and cons of home care versus hospital stay

In addition to the easy-to-follow, reliable information, this accessible reference helps readers make sense of tests, choose the right treatment, and deal with symptoms to reduce anxiety and ensure a better quality of life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Very clear and easy to read.Useful, butnot perfect.Potentially misleading in some respects.
I like this book very much, but it isn't perfect.It's laid out very clearly, and it's easy to find what you're looking for.However, there isn't a whole lot of detail once you get there. This book is better used as a checklist than as an encyclopedia.

Overall this book would be a very useful addition to any library. But if you can afford to buy only one book, Alzheimer's for Dummies would be a better choice.

I especially appreciate the author's recommendations for dietary supplements to improve mental functioning.I have tried some of them myself, and have found them very helpful in overcoming the mental fog associated with midlife memory loss.

Certainly when a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer's, we naturally want to take stock of our own neurological and mental health, and renew our commitment to take better care of ourselves. However, I think it is a bit misleading to include these dietary recommendations for general mental health, in a book about Alzeimer's Disease.

We must remember that Alzheimer's Disease is not a "chronic condition" which can be prevented or controlled with medicines, dietary supplements, or mental exercises.Make no mistake, Alzheimer's is a fatal disorder, a disease process which affects some people and not others, and which has no known cure.It might be slowed down a bit with medications, but so far it hasn't been stopped. The end result is always death.

Yes, there are medicines, dietary supplements and exercises we can all employ to improve our memory and our mental health,but we should not expect any of these to provide us with immmunity from Alzheimer's Disease, or to do much to slow down the disease once it starts.

Even so this is a useful book in many respects and is well worth buying for your library.The editors should be commended for the wonderful job they have done in making this book very easy to read.It's a real standout in that regard.
... Read more

Book Description
As Alzheimer's disease gradually changes Grandpa Dan, Grandson Danny learns there is one important thing that never changes. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Flowers for Grandpa Dan
Although the subject of this story (Alzheimers Disease) is sad and often painful, the story offers hope:while the disease changes a person on the outside, a family's love for that individual, and that person's love for his or her family, never changes.This book provides a much welcome forum for parents and children to talk about their feelings of loss and love with each other.

I recommend this story to both families who are experiencing the loss of a family member due to Alzheimers Disease, and to all children, as a way of opening understanding and compassion toward the older generation.

A lovely book for anyone to own
This lovely little book offers a sweet story and truly gorgeous illustrations. I bought a copy when it was first released and read it myself. I found it very touching in a positive way, so I sent it to a relative whose mother has Alzheimer's. My relative called to thank me and shared that she had read it to her granddaughter (a 7-year-old) who, afterwards, suggested to her that they "make a garden for Grandma." I later found that I missed owning the book myself, so I bought another copy to keep around my home and share with the children in my family. I discovered that this is not just a story for people struggling with Alzheimer's, but a beautiful book that children and adults both appreciate. The story of Grandpa Dan offers an authentic description of life in a home affected by the illness of a loved one, and the exquisite illustrations in this book make it a treasure to read, especially with a child in your lap. I recommend that anyone seeking a good book for a child consider buying this one, regardless of whether you or the child have Alzheimer's in your life. It provides a very tender picture of a family problem that touches so many.

Opening Communication Channels About Alzheimer's Disease
_Flowers for Grandpa Dan: A gentle story to help children understand Alzheimer's disease_ by Connie McIntyre shows three generations -- the three Digging Daniels -- dealing with Alzheimer's disease. Since he was a boy, Grandpa Dan has planted flowers. He has worked the same flower beds with his son Dan for decades. Now Grandson Danny is also a gardener.

Although Grandpa Dan has taught his son that life is full of change, Grandson Danny resists change -- especially the change that leaves his grandpa forgetful, confused, and eventually unable to perform everyday tasks.

_Flowers for Grandpa Dan_ is indeed a "gentle story." Without extraneous elements or didactics, it shows a family coping with Alzheimer's disease, nurturing the essence of their loved one that enables them to connect with him and preserve his legacy.

Louise McIntyre's delicate watercolor illustrations and the book's life-affirming apple green accent color perfectly complement the story. The illustrations depict flowers, not people, retelling the story through metaphor and making it easier for readers to identify with the characters.

Whether children are full of questions or reluctant to acknowledge changes in their loved ones, _Flowers for Grandpa Dan_ invites discussion about Alzheimer's disease. An informational section provided by the Alzheimer's Association, St. Louis Chapter, outlines the wide array of emotions that children might experience as they see changes in a loved one. These emotions may manifest themselves in many different ways. The informational section suggests ways to answer children's questions about the changes and the disease, and ways that children can maintain a meaningful relationship with their loved one.

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of Flowers for Grandpa Dan will be donated to the Alzheimer's Association. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

for the caregiver
so many books out there focus on the person with alzheimers and very few address the caregiver adequately.My ailing mother is caring for my father and her inability to do a good job was fodder for all sorts of of emotional issues - she needed more than a small chapter in the back of a book.This book was wonderful and validated all her feelings and let her know she was not alone.Too bad it's so difficult to find.It has a question and answer format with questions like "I feel so bad when I yell at him for not remembering.I know he's sick but I just get so frustrated!What can I do?".Practical, useful, and true to life.

Caring for Alzheimer's - from the Caregiver's Point of View
If you're caring for an Alzheimer's patient, you already understand how demanding, and often frustrating, the job can be.Olive and Bock understand as well.They approach the problems with true help for the caregiver.

If you don't understand the problems of caring for Alzheimer's, read this book!If you do, read this book!There's real help in these pages!

Phyllis Staff, Ph.D.
author, "How to Find Great Senior Housing"
and
"128 Ways to Prevent Alzheimer's and Other Dementias"

Very practical
Coping with Alzheimer's is a very practical survival guide for caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's.It is very well written and easily readable, not preachy or "textbooky."Highly recommended.

Focus on what CAN be controlled : the caregiver's thoughts
This is a remarkable and extremely useful book for all caregivers andfamily members of Alzheimer's and Dementia patients. It utilizes principlesof "RET" or Rational Emotive Therapy pioneered by Dr. AlbertEllis. Simply put, the concept holds that one's perception of events willdetermine the corresponding feeling or emotion. A deceptively simple butpowerful concept in battling depression, anger, and frustration. In thecase of Alzheimer's caregivers, this premise can be a literal lifesaver andDrs. Oliver and Bock use their own case histories of treating caregivers todemonstrate pratical, powerful "inner dialogues" that can be usedwhen the daily stress and frustrations of dealing with this challengingcondition come to bear. Specific chapters are devoted to: Shame,Guilt,Anger, Depression, and even Self-Pity. This book not only provides themeans to lift the spirits and emotions of caregivers, but by doing so,potentially change for the better the necessary interactions between themand their stricken loved-one. Highly recommended! ... Read more

Book Description
Aaron and Stella Alterra had been married for more than sixty years when Aaron began to notice puzzling lapses in his wife's memory. Innocuous at first, they became more severe and more alarming. After a series of appointments and tests, the Alterras were informed that Stella was one of the more than 4.5 million Americans with Alzheimer's disease. Combining medical research on the disease and often-painful anecdotes of memory loss, deteriorating motor functions, personality shifts, support-group and daycare experiences, and drug trials, Alterra chronicles his transformation from husband to caregiver after his wife's diagnosis. More than a chronology of one family's experience of Alzheimer's disease, The Caregiver is an intelligent, beautifully reflective testimony to how family members turned caregivers become the ultimate advocates for their loved ones in the face of a disease with no cure. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Very informative
I was very touched by the way he cared and loved his wife. He did a lot of trial and error and gave 110%.

Reality and Humility
This is a most thoughtful insight from both the point of view of the Caretaker and the one for whom care is given.Many of your own thoughts, questions, fears, victories, frustrations and actual experiences are seen and lovingly, yet honestly, shared by a gifted writer.Thought provoking, calming, and a real companion for a Caretaker who feels alone -- as we all do from time to time.Well worth the read!

Preserving Dignity
Thank you, Aaron Alterra, for sharing your very insightful experiences while giving such loving care to your dear wife, Stella.Your touching recount of Stella's final days as a cellist and your countless successfulefforts at preseving her dignity brought tears as I (a sexagenerian)empathized with your many dillemmas.

I would certainly recommend thisbook to anyone with elderly parents or who themselves have becomecaregivers. ... Read more

Product Description
Do you know or care for a person with Alzheimer's disease? This book delivers up a healthy dose of "sunshine and joy" with more than 100 conversational activities for those with mid-to late-stage Alzheimer's disease. Your loved one's face will light up with pleasure and satisfaction when they: ~ Successfully fill in the blanks of many well-known phrases ~ Laugh at silly questions and humorous quotations ~ Marvel over interesting tidbits of information ~ Give their advice about handling some of life's little dilemmas ~ Describe their ideal homes, jobs, vacations, etc. ~ Armchair travel to places near and far ~ Answer questions about familiar subjects ~ Reminisce about a wide variety of topics ~ Get noticed with fun, wearable stickers (included) ~ Are honored with award ribbons (also included) ......and much more Additional Benefits: ~ Keep the mind stimulated ~ Specifically designed for those with no short-term memory ~ Short activities to fit short attention spans ~ Laugh and smile together ~ Works whether you have 2 minutes or 2 hours to spare ~ No need to leave home ~ No other supplies required ~ Even those who are only able to say or nod "yes" and "no" can be entertained for hours The Big Book of Alzheimer's Activities contains endless hours of fun! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Great resource for caregivers to use with a person who has Alzheimers
This book has been, hands down, the best investment I've made in an Alzheimer's activity book. I'm always looking for new activities to do with my Mom who has Alzheimer's and this is one book I've found that makes good on its promises. It's been nothing short of amazing how easily I have been able to keep my Mom's attention and get her talking. Wish I'd had it sooner. The author talks about how each activity can be tailored to virtually ensure success. I tried it and it really does work!I highly recommend this book to others who have a loved one with Alzheimers, especially if it's becoming harder to carry on a meaningful conversation with them.

My review of a great book.
Sunshine and Joy's Big Book of Alzheimer's Activities by Jill Hernandez is a great book.

The poem in the beginning of the book by John Kendrick Bangs from the Word makes a wonderful statement and introduction to the contents of this amazing book.

The variety of activities put together by the author is more than anyone working in a facility or having a loved one at home could possibly hope for.

The author's special way of referring to persons with Alzheimer's throughout the book is gentle and refreshing.

Each activity in this book has been thoughtfully planned out. My years of working as a therapeutic activities director would have been made easier had there been books of this caliber available.

Thanks Jill for a book from the heart and your love of a special "PAL". C. Gale Perkins

My review on Sunshine and Joy's Big Book of Alzheimer's Activities.
Sunshine and Joy's Big book of Alzheimer's Activities by Jill Hernandezis a treasury of armchair activities that will help people with Alzheimer's and make the job of caregivers for people with Alzheimer's much easier and improve the quality of care.

This book is an exciting, unique, and a great contribution for people that are affected by the Alzheimer's disease.This book will help improve the overall safety and quality of life for people with Alzheimer's by eliminating furnishings and circumstances that are physically dangerous to the person with Alzheimer's.

This book will help reduce caregiver burnout and depression which is quite often the case with caregivers, people with Alzheimer's, and their families. This book is amazing and a great contribution that will help the many people that are affected by Alzheimer's.

There are many activities in this book that both the caregiver and the person with Alzheimer's will not only do but enjoy doing. I recommend this book very highly and salute the author for her great contribution that will benefit the many people with Alzheimer's and their families.

At the present time there is no cure for Alzheimer's.Sunshine and Joy's Big Book of Alzheimer's Activities by Jill Hernandez provides valuable help needed that will help many people affected by Alzheimer's, caregivers, and families in many ways.I am very glad that I purchased this book. ... Read more

Book Description
An introductory chapter covers essential background information pertaining to the diagnosis and treatment of Mild Cognitive Impairment and A D. Itreviews the stages of AD in detail, including effects on the patient, thecaregiver, and the role of the counselor. Subsequent chapters discussassessing the caregiver and creating an intervention plan tailored to that individual's needs, including family and adhoc counseling, whenappropriate. The final chapters offer practical advice for the counselorto offer when addressing the many issues surrounding caring for the ADpatient. They also address aberrant behaviors, relationship-relatedissues, ways to seek support for the patient living at home, nursing homeand other residential care information and finally end-of-life topics.Provides proven strategies to help caregivers deal with Alzheimer'sDisease Drawing on lessons learned during 15 years of empirical clinicaltreatment intervention, this manual is an invaluable resource for healthcare providers who work with families caring for and Alzheimer's Disease(AD) patient. Counseling the Alzheimer's Caregiver provides provenstrategies to help caregivers deal with the enormous physical andemotional stress of caring for a loved one with AD and significantlyimprove the level of patient care. This resource outlines, in detail, thesymptoms of AD at each stage and the roles of caregiver and counselor from the initial diagnosis to after the patient's death. It teaches health care providers how to create for caregivers individualized intervention plansthat cover everything from managing behavioral and psychological symptomsof AD to maintaining their own well-being. The resource also providesinformation on formal support services for patients living at home, aswell as guidance on making the decision to place the patient in aresidential facility. More than 80 percent of AD patients receive carefrom family or other non-formal help ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

A Powerful Resource of alzheimer's "How To" do and feel...
This book was very helpful...my mother is 84 and has dememtia, bordering on Alzheimer's.The presentation is direct and strong, yet personal and tender.
It is full of references, web sites...and insights, including unusual examples of the author's heartfelt and long-running experience with this unforgiving "life-force thief" of a loved one.
I would, and have, recommended this powerful book to many people already.
Thank you, Betty Weiss, for this mixture of emotions (and your life)...and for making some sense of the loss we are feeling.
Diane Ake
Daughter of one who used to be so intelligent...and fun-loving.

Outstanding Book For Caregivers
"When the Doctor Says Alzheimer's" is a marvelous resource for caregivers in the thick of it and especially great for those just starting the confusing journey. Betty sorts it all out for you, she's been there, and she includes a wealth of valuable information in an easy-to-read style. I HIGHLY recommend it.
Jacqueline Marcell, Author of "Elder Rage" and host of the "Coping with Caregiving" Internet Radio Program.

A Must-Have Caregiver's Guide
This is a wonderful resource for anyone caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's Disease or any other dementing illness.

It is extremely easy to read - the reader does not have to keep a medical dictionary on hand to understand it.It is written by an author with extraordinary empathy and compassion for both caregivers and those affected by dementing diseases.

Betty has included an incredible amount and variety of resources; her research is incredible!It seems like there's at least one resource for every facet of dementing diseases, and usually quite a bit more. The practical suggestions are extremely helpful, most are very simple and easy to accomplish, and make quite a difference in the quality of life for both caregiver and affected loved one.

As a caregiver, I must recommend this book to anyone who is in any way interested in information, help, resources, or just plain support, whether they're just interested in the subject, or dealing in any way with a person who's in the process of Alzheimer's or other dementia.

I've already read the books that set the "standard" for Alzheimer's/dementia caregiving and information, and this book should quickly join their ranks.Caregivers, you need this book - I can guarantee you will find many things to help you and your loved one.

This Book is A Must!
When the Doctor Says "Alzheimer's" by Betty Weiss is an invaluable resource.In 20 years of practicing medicine I've not seen a better single resource for helping patients and their caregivers.

Not just for typical "Alzheimer's" Betty Weiss's book will be helpful for care givers of patients with any loss of independence or loss of cognitive skills.

I will be providing it or recommending it to the caregivers and families of all my patients who are loosing their independence from cognitive or other disorders.

The style is direct, respectful and practical while the content is encyclopedic.

This book will be of tremendous comfort to its readers.

I cannot thank the author enough.

Robert Mullen, M.D.Portland, Oregon. ... Read more