Book Description

Customer Reviews (4)

Sold under false pretenses: many of the articles are fictional
My mother has early Alzheimers, therefore I have read as much as I have time to read on this subject.I bought this book, the first I've purchasedof the "first hand account" type, mainly looking for helping hints or advice I could use from people who had "been there."
The book consists of a series of articles, each separately written by different people, including one article by a man diagnosed with Alzheimers,but I soon noticed that a particularly moving story about grandpa and his greatgrandson was written by a free-lance writer, with several books and articles to her name, who lives with her husband and two cats etc, and therefore hers could not possibly be a TRUE story. That particular author couldn't have had a grandson or great-grandson around whom the touching story revolved.Checking the credits of all the authors at the end of each story, it became apparent that MANY stories were written by professional writers, who clearly didn't have, were not old enough to be, the person about whom they were writing, or in whose first-person voice they were speaking.I was both angry and disappointed.I expected better from a highly respected organization which helps breast cancer survivors and Alzheimer families.
Other stories did seem to be true to life.Yet, from none of them did I get ANY help in HANDLING day to day life. They were all of the Reader's Digest two hankie "and then I gave her a hug and she died" sort.
There were a couple of exceptions. One, about an elderly Russian-Jewish emigre nurse who kept trying to report her son and daughter-in-law to the KGB every time she became angry at them, and the one by Kate Mulgrew the actress, were excellent, though at this point I don't know if they were true or not.
I can't recommend this book for those reasons.

From the books I've read, I would most highly recommend the Mayo Clinic book about Alzheimers and Dementia, and "The 36-Hour Day" the bible of dementia care, (be sure to get the current 2006, 4th edition.)

A wonderful, profoundly moving book
I purchased this book for the three pages written by Kate Mulgrew (a.k.a. Captain Janeway :), but after I read her provocative pages I started the book from the beginning and just couldn't put it down.This book is packed with honest, jarring anecdotes that literally take your breath away.

This is a beautiful book, but it is absolutely heartbreaking.I'm not sure that it is the kind of book you would give to someone who has just been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, although, on the other hand, perhaps it could spur that person to take care of living wills and other business while they are still able to make rational decisions.

Reading this book could have immeasurable value to caregivers, as they may feel less isolated and more connected, empowered.And I think it would be an excellent book for anyone who is trying to understand the impact of Alzheimer's on caregivers and families.

The book also works as an advocacy piece -- I can't imagine anyone reading this book without feeling motivated to DO something -- donate money, volunteer, sponsor a friend going on an Alzheimer's walk, work for a cure, etcetera.

However, this really is not a hopeful book.I know it says something important and perhaps hopeful about the human spirit, that ordinary people watch those they love be destroyed by this disease, that they care for them, suffer with them, perform profound acts of love and compassion, and eventually come out on the other side.But for now, Alzheimer's Disease doesn't have happy endings.

A Great Start
Had submitted an article of my own for this anthology and had to withdraw it for reasons which had nothing to do with this publication.This is an EXCELLENT publication and I am so very happy for the publishers that they decided to go for such a worthwhile effort.Wonderful stories, etc - great source of information from the mouths of those most closely informed by this disease.I highly recommend this book, and the coming series, to anyone having a family member with one of these diseases, or caring in general about others and wanting to understand as much as possible.Shelby Staples

Voices of Alzheimers Personal Stories
Very beautifully written and insightful personal stories about the disease that will put it in a new light. ... Read more

Book Description
"Alzheimer's Disease: Caregivers Speak Out" is a guide for families, friends,professionals and students to better understanding those who have Alzheimer's disease and the people who care for them.Through their own heartfelt words and experiences, caregivers share feelings and ideas in an effort to teach others about this disease.Caregivers say they wish this had been the first book they had read when seeking information on Alzheiemr's disease. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Great Book
Pam Haisman was a college professor of mine at Florida Gulf Coast University. She had wonderful insight concerning this subject through her research and personal experience with caring for a family member with Alzheimer's. This book was used in my class and was very useful in the development of the aspiring gerontolgist's in the course.
It is an easy read and a realistic look inside this disease for the patient and the caregiver's.

The Voices of Caregivers
Pam Haisman is a nurse consultant for Alzheimer's Disease who went on the Internet to gather the stories of caregivers. Her book tells the facts about Alzheimer's, the statistics, and about the research that is being done, but the bulk of the book is the stories of caregivers, as the cover tells: "In their own words families seek compassion, professionals relate frustrations, spouses share their grief, teenagers pledge their love." This book expresses the emotions of caregiving as no other book has, in allowing over 200 caregivers to speak out about what it is really like.

A Must Read
I have read many books on Alzheimers' and dementia and I have found this one to be the most accurate of my own expereinces. I just wish this book was published when writting my college thesis on Alzheimer's. This book isdefinantly directed towards the caregiver and loved ones of the victim. Itdescribes the disease process, creative solutions to common obstacles inthe disease, as well as consistent emotions that one encounters whendealing with this disease. Pam Haisman, uses testimonies of caregivers whohave and had to deal with the Alzheimer's disease. This gives the book acredibility that no other has. Due to the fact that I deal with caregiversday in and day out I am often confronted with emotion, anger and numerousequestions. I feel that the best gift that I could give them is thebook,"Alzheimer's Disease". It is written in simple terms anddoesn't assume that the reader is knowledgable of the disease. I have yetto have a person dissapointed in my reccomendation of this book. I givethis book five stars as does everyone I have reccomended it to.

Welcome Addition to the Literature on Alzheimer's
This just published volume is a guide to understanding, caring, and coping written for family, friends,professionals, students and caregiver's.As the title suggests, this book is a compilation ofheartfeltwords and experiences from those who carefor Alzheimer's patients, in an effort to teach others what this disease involves and the toll it can take for patient andcaregiver. The book's first sectionintroduces novicesto Alzheimer's the disease, it's causes, current research, symptoms, etc. Thissection is particularly well organized andstraightforward.Then the book presents chapter by chapter, personal experiences, stories, and pleas for understanding byprofessionals, adult children,young people, spouses,nurse caregivers, each of which are bravely shared. Lastly, the book'sfinalchapters focus on ways to better manage and copewith caring for an Alzheimer's patient, andequallyimportant, where to turn for help. This is a welcome addition to theliterature on Alzheimer'sdisease and should be inevery home connected to someone with the disease. ... Read more

Book Description
Home on leave from World War II, author Ed Kanewske meets the beautiful, dark-haired Margie at his friend's home. They fall in love at first sight, and the two marry shortly after Ed's return from his overseas service. Thus begins a passionate, beautiful love affair that continues to this day.

Over the course of their married life, Ed and Margie raise two children, share in family vacations, and never stop loving each other. But in later years, Margie's memory begins to falter, and she is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Reluctant to part with her, Ed takes care of Margie at their home for several years. When he is no longer able to manage Margie by himself, he must have her admitted to a nursing home. Despite their separation, Ed is never far from her side and visits her daily.

Ed is determined to find ways to cope with his separation from Margie. He seeks God's help, involves himself with nursing home projects, and spends time writing. But Margie is always in his thoughts. Margie and Me is a touching and unique look at how one man learned to cope with his wife's Alzheimer's. But even more, it is a story of a lifelong love affair.

Book Description
The updated edition of this unique guide provides practical and innovative strategies for care of people with Alzheimer's disease.Written from the viewpoint that activity-focused care promotes the resident's cognitive, physical, psychosocial, and spiritual wellbeing, the text is very readable and highly recommended for caregivers and families of people with Alzheimer's disease. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Resourceful Care Planning Guide
I don't need a thousand words to encourage the publisher to print more books.This book provides wonderful information on the problems that arise and some strategies for care of the individual with Alzheimer's.I really wished I hadn't loaned my copy out...ah well perhaps someone is finding what a great resource it is for the caregiver. ... Read more

Book Description
The Second Edition of this book continues to provide professionals andcaregivers with an arsenal of therapeutic activities they can use tomitigate the loss of function in people with Alzheimer's disease. It a lso shows how professionals can get reimbursed for their services. Thi s bookpresents a systematic program of memory training for patients w ho aresuffering from progressive memory loss. It focuses on reinforci ng simpleskills of daily living as well as training alternative strat egies whenprevious habits have been eroded by dementia. It includes p racticalsuggestions and how-to descriptions for making your own thera pymaterials. It covers language considerations and instruments used t omeasure functional skills. This new edition updates the clinical information on Alzheimer's disease based on the most current research andadds information on alternate therapeutic settings such as adult day carecenters, special units, and special living facilities. ... Read more

Book Description

The Third Edition of this successful textbook has been completely updated throughout and includes new chapters on electrophysiological tests, biological markers, global staging measures, and management of neuropsychiatric symptoms. There has been steady progress in our understanding of the natural history, prognostic factors and treatments for Alzheimer's disease since the previous edition of this textbook was published in 1999. The chapters deal with the full spectrum of populations at risk, persons in prodromal stages, and patients from mild to severe and even terminal stages. The contributors are opinion leaders from North America and Europe, which gives the book an internationally balanced outlook. This new edition will be essential reading for a wide range of clinical neuroscientists who manage patients with this challenging disease.

Book Description
Manual for instructors to use in training caregivers such as nurse's aides on the skills needed to care for patients with Alzheimer's. Includessample quizzes, overhead transparencies, and forms. DNLM: Alzheimer'sDisease - handbooks. ... Read more

Product Description
The story of how a mother's increasing dementia affected her and her family, and of how her children tricked her out of her home to get her to a place where she could be safe and relatively content.Reader comments:"Your journal has been an inspiration to me.""The way you expressed the heartbreak of dealing with all of this deeply moved me.""Thanks for baring this part of your soul to all of us!" ... Read more

Product Description
A leading gerontologist presents his provocative approach to aging and senility, calling for a relabeling of age associated cognitive challenges.

In a call to arms to re-evaluate the way we think about and deal with Alzheimer's disease, the author states that the current view of Alzheimer's as a virtual death sentence obscures the potential for vitality and wisdom that still exists in the graying years.

The Alzheimer's label too often generates fear, paranoia, and anxiety. By taking a closer look at what Alzheimer's is and isn't, he can offer hope to families as well as to the individuals themselves who suffer from a decline in their cognitive abilities. He presents a new approach to the treatment of brain aging, using examples from his own practice as well as from around the world, and provides practical advice for getting the best level of care. ... Read more

Book Description
Once, senility -- the slow deterioration of mental capacity -- was considered to be an irreversible death sentence. Today, scientific evidence shows that targeted nutritional therapy can be used to fight a variety of diseases affecting the brain, including Alzheimer's, arteriosclerosis, and chronic malnutrition. In this book, acclaimed medical researcher Dr. Abram Hoffer and holistic health writer Dr. Morton Walker present a program of diet and supplementation specifically developed to prevent or reverse senility. They also provide an invaluable guide for all people who wish to achieve optimum health for their thought processes and memory.

Newly updated, Smart Nutrients provides a detailed account of the most important breakthrough nutrients currently being studied. These nutrients include niacin and vitamin C, as well as minerals such as zinc, chromium and many others -- each of which plays a crucial role in the maintenance of mental health and the treatment of specific diseases.

As the link between our mental clarity and our nutritional intake becomes more apparent, scientists are providing us with vital information that can be used today to insure a better health tomorrow. Smart Nutrients represents an important bridge to a more fulfilling future. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Hoffer is one of the most important alternative people alive.
Abram Hoffer has changed the world.Pauling recognized the importance of Hoffer's work in the 1960's.
You can't go wrong buying and learning the world of Abram Hoffer.Fifty years from now Hoffer and Pauling will be recognized for bringing medicine out the "dark ages" of cut, burn and poison.
The next generation of research is already being built on Hoffer's work but Hoffer was the pioneer and it's best to understand the source.
Your doctor is most likely 50 years behind Hoffer's work.Leave the forces of "Darkness" (medicine for greed and profit) and enter the world of Light (applied nutrient knowledge).

Smart Nutrients Especially Niacin
I purchased this book because of my interest as an Alzheimer's caregiver. The stories told of Dr. Hofer's experiences with the cureative aspects of Niacin were a revelation to me even though I have been searching the Internet for answer's to the progression of my wife's diaganosis of Alzheimer's symptoms.

The book led me to begin experimenting with Niacin and the results so far have been encouraging but not yet completely evaluated.

Thanks! Lowell ... Read more

Product Description
The Best FriendsTM approach is changing the lives of people around the world by improving the quality of life not only for clients with Alzheimer s disease but also for the staff providing care. Authors Virginia Bell and David Troxel are recognized internationally for their innovative work helping people with Alzheimer s disease. Here, they present a training approach geared to help your staff achieve better outcomes and more rewarding experiencesand help you retain an effective, satisfied staff.

Read stories and ideas from real staff in facilities worldwide who are already implementing the Best Friends approach with their residents. Get the inspiration and working tools to transform your care culture, including hundreds of case studies illustrating successful programs, creative ideas you can use to implement change, proven advice on staff training and retention, and a training toolkit in each chapter that features learning exercises, activities, games, and resources.

Help your staff make every day more enjoyable and secure for people with Alzheimer s disease and more rewarding for themselves. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A Culture of Caring
Every Administrator in Long Term Care should add this one to their library. ... Read more

Product Description
In Wordsworth Dances the Waltz, children are introduced to the concept that as grandparents age, they may become different, and even forget important things. But that doesn't mean they aren't still a part of the family nor do they love us any less than they did before. As the 32-page story progresses, Wordsworth finds comfort in writing poems that express his confusion over the changes in his beloved grandparent and the fond memories he has of her more vibrant days. His poems also help his family understand that Grandma would still like to do things she always loved-spending time with the family, laughing and dancing. Wordsworth Dances the Waltz is the second book featuring the literary mouse. The first Wordsworth title, Wordsworth the Poet, was the recipient of the 2004 Ka Palapala Book Award for Excellence in Children's Books from the Hawai'i Book Publishers' Association. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Should be a part of every elementary school and community library picturebook collection
Wordsworth the Poet is a little mouse who is worried about his Granda. She's is losing her memory and having trouble doing things she used to be able to do quite easily. What can Wordsworth as a loving grandson do to help his Grandma? This is the story and premise for "Wordworth Dances The Waltz", a superbly written picturebook story by Frances H. Kakugawa which is enhanced throughout with the full color illustrations of Melissa DeSica. Just what can Wordsworth do? Well for one thing, writes some poetry to express the situation and his feelings. In the end, Wordsworth comes to understand that despite all the changes in his Grandma's behavior, he still loves her and always will. "Wordworth Dances The Waltz" is an especially recommended picturebook for young children experiencing the phenomena of memory loss, Alzheimers, and other forms of dementia manifesting within their own grandparents. Simply stated, "Wordworth Dances The Waltz" should be a part of every elementary school and community library picturebook collection for young children. ... Read more

Book Description
A valuable tool to provide both children and adults a better understanding of dementia while helping them through the trauma of their situation.

Andrew's beloved grandmother is acting strange. When she has to come live in his house, Andrew's life suddenly is turned upside down. Grandma scares his friends and accuses him of things he did not do. HE hates her.

Mom has to explain to him why Grandma acts as she does. They learn what they need to do to make life tolerable for everyone. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent book
Alzheimer's Disease is extremely difficult for anyone to understand, especially children.This book explains to children some of the symptoms of the disease in a storybook fashion.If anyone in your family suffers from Alzheimer's, this book will help you, your children, and everyone involved! ... Read more

Product Description

Few medical or scientific addresses have so unmistakeably made history as the presentation delivered by Alois Alzheimer on November 4, 1906 in Tübingen.

Book Description
Lorna Drew thought her partner was carrying his absent-minded professor status too far, until, two years ago, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer Disease. Today, Leo Ferrari walks the dog, visits friends, handles most of his own personal care, and even continues to write feature articles for the local newspaper. But Alzheimer disease has altered Leo and Lorna’s relationship forever. A thoughtful memoir and a wide-ranging handbook, Different Minds is an illuminating side-by-side account of life with Alzheimer Disease.Prepared with the assistance of the Alzheimer Society of New Brunswick, it offers practical advice on everything from reorganizing finances to dealing with emotions. In intimate journal entries, Lorna expresses how hard she finds being both partner and caregiver, while Leo shares knowledge gathered from experience and extensive reading. His vivid descriptions of how a person fighting Alzheimer Disease interprets his strange new world are invaluable to people newly diagnosed with this disease and to their loved ones and caregivers.Featuring a detailed bibliography, a list of useful Web sites and helpful suggestions like making checklists, how to stay active or where to look for support, Different Minds is a unique guide to coping with mutual distress while enjoying life together. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Gentle entry for the naieve
I partly ordered this book because we had heard good reviews elsewhere.
The mother of my wife has had Alzheimer's for likely 6 years. We have come to understand her through self-awareness and open-mindedness rather than through resources such as this.

We found the book hedged around the subject and issues and never really prepared the reader for some of the more significant issues which arise for many families. It did address patient denial, which is important. More dramatically, and as much of importance is family and spouse denial, which unintentionally often leads to emotional and spiritual abuse and heightened stress for someone suffering from a stress sensitive illness.

The book is an easy read. We both read it in one short sitting. We could sum up the points quickly and briefly. Better for someone who has a beginning and mild interest in the possibility and likelihood of themselves or their parent eventually succumbing to this illness. Not helpful to someone having to cope with someone close to them who has Alzheimer's.

For us, more worth $4 than what we paid for it. ... Read more

Book Description
"ALZHEIMER'S-THE GOOD, THE SAD & THE HUMOROUS" covers a span of ten years.Through experience, I tried to address the subtle changes that took place with my mother, who was stricken with the disease in 1988.She was among four million in the United States alone, who suffered with Alzheimer's disease.This number continues to escalate daily among our elderly.

However, my book primarily focuses on my personal experience in caring for my mother.I share the good, the sad and the humorous moments I spent with my mother during her long journey into the obscure and unknown. Although I had never written a poem prior to my experience with Alzheimer's, I found myself spontaneously writing poem-like expressions in my journal.In my book, I share these poems, in the hope that they express the varied stages of the disease my mother experienced, as well as the inner feelings that I concurrently became very familiar with.Although my book does not center on the clinical nature of the disease, in chapter six, I list thirty-four behavioral patterns that I found helpful in determining the need to see a neurologist for a definite diagnosis.Also, laced throughout the pages of my book, are helpful hints on how I dealt with situations such as: ways in which I kept my mother occupied, where I placed locks to prevent mishaps, how I handled repetitious stories and questions etc…

Initially, I wrote the book to enable myself to endure a very difficult period in my life.My intent was also to enlighten others of the signs of Alzheimer's as well as the precautions that should be taken when considering a nursing home.Finally, to help those who are going through the experience of caregivering, although difficult, to ponder and reflect on the many opportunities to take each moment and turn them into precious memories.These precious memories, in addition to the poems laced throughout my book, helped me to release the pain that was pent up so deep within my soul.Hopefully, it will help others to do the same. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

THIS IS A VERY TOUCHING ACCOUNT
I found the book a very touching account of a daughters struggle with her mothers illness.Allowing others a much needed insite when facing the prognosis of this debilitating disease...the reader that wrote that it was 'self serving and fluff' obviously was looking for more in the league of medical advice.When this was clearly written as a coping mechanism, which the writer clearly conveys to the reader.If your looking to read something insightful into what to expect from you loved one on the long journey ahead this I highly recommend, its from the heart & a firsthand everyday experience.It gives some much needed helpful advise on caring for your loved ones changing needs, and insightful view on what you need to look out for with regards to nursing homes for our elderly loved ones.Since most of us never have had to think of the need for them, until its to late and the only thing we can think of is a quick solution for our loved ones.In other words it plants seeds where only earth was, giving us something to think on.It was a good read, I could not put the book down just as another review wrote...it took me was tears to smiles, a gamut of emotions.

Good Reading!!
I have read this book and enjoyed it very much. However, I was appalled when reading the negative review with only one star given to this book. It sounds as though the reviewer is somewhat bitter with their own lot in life. They also give the impression of being heartless, extremely jealous and rather judgmental regarding the writer and this book. How can anyone, not even knowing the writer refer to her as being selfserving. This book is anything but selfserving and a lot of fluff. In addition, anyone who starts a sentence in lower case as that reviewer did, leads me to question their intelligence. To all those reading this review, the book is well worth reading!

Truly magnificent!!!
Having had a similar experence in our family, I could truly relate to this story.

Verna's poems are not onlystraight from the heart, but brilliantly written with warmth of heart and true feeling.

I couldn't help but read this book in one night, for I found it was impossible for me to put down. I found myself laughing at the humorous portions of the book as well as crying when she expressed her innermost and personal feelings in regard to caring for her mother.Verna obviously loved her mother dearly as can be felt by reading her story. Although her mother died as most Alzheimer's sufferers do, Verna told her story in the most heartwarming of fashions.

I truly feel this is a must read for anyone experiencing this sad , but realistic problem in our society today.

neither good, sad or humorous
my father has a.d.i looked forward to getting this book. this book is a self-serving piece of fluff.

Outstanding
I have been touched by the personal nature of this wonderful book. Reality has never been more realized by me until I read these pages, it has helped me deal with the symptoms of this terrible illness within my own family, specificly with my own mother. Hopefully, a cure for this illness will be found for those who may develop the debilitating effects of this illness in the future, but for now, I'll just heed the admonition found in these wonderful pages. The cost of this book is a small price to pay to help me deal with my mom....Thanks so much. ... Read more