Alzheimer’s, dementia, and all kinds of memory impairment can be extremely challenging for those affected and their families. Whether you’re the caregiver of a parent with memory loss or simply looking to learn more about the condition, it can seem like there’s an endless amount of information. Where do you even start?
If you’re looking to learn about the challenges of dementia, it can help to start with some of the following books or by reaching out to a friendly memory care community so they can explain more.
The books about dementia that we recommend include:
- The Inheritance: A Family on the Front Lines of the Battle Against Alzheimer’s Disease by Niki Kapsambelis.
- Before I Forget: Love, Hope, Help, & Acceptance in Our Fight Against Alzheimer’s by B. Smith, Dan Gasby and Michael Shnayerson.
- Slow Dancing with a Stranger: Lost & Found in the Age of Alzheimer’s by Meryl Comer.
- The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for People Who Have Alzheimer’s Disease,
Related Dementias, & Memory Loss by Nancy L. Mace and Peter V. Gabins. - Creating Moments of Joy Along the Alzheimer’s Journey: A Guide for Families & Caregivers by Jolene Brackey.
- The Alzheimer Action Plan: The Expert Guide to the Best Diagnosis & Treatment for Memory Problems by P. Morali Duraiswamy, Lisa P. Gwyther, and Tina Adler.
Each of these books can provide unique insight into the complications caused by dementia and can be an extremely valuable resource for learning more!
When you’re choosing a book about dementia, it’s important to find one that speaks to you personally. Look for books that offer:
- Clear explanations
- Practical advice
- Personal stories and anecdotes
Dealing with dementia can be challenging, but armed with the right knowledge, you can be better equipped to handle the journey.
Books About Dementia
The Inheritance: A Family on the Front Lines of the Battle Against Alzheimer’s Disease
This book by Niki Kapsambelis offers a raw and honest portrayal of the challenges faced by caregivers, as well as the heartache and struggles that come with caring for someone with Alzheimer’s.
The Inheritance: A Family on the Front Lines of the Battle Against Alzheimer’s Disease presents a compelling narrative of a family grappling with Alzheimer’s disease. It’s a heart-wrenching and informative read that helps shed light on the emotional toll of the disease by telling the story of a family’s journey as they witness their loved one slowly experience more and more challenges with dementia.
Before I Forget: Love, Hope, Help, & Acceptance in Our Fight Against Alzheimer’s
Penned by B. Smith, Dan Gasby and Michael Shnayerson, this memoir provides a heartfelt account of the journey through the ups and downs of dementia. The book captures the real-life experiences, struggles, and emotions of a couple trying to navigate the complexities of Alzheimer’s disease.
Before I Forget: Love, Hope, Help, & Acceptance in Our Fight Against Alzheimer’s resonates with love, hope, and acceptance, offering practical advice and coping mechanisms for those who find themselves in the same boat. This isn’t just a book specifically about dementia—it’s about the enduring power of love and resilience in the face of adversity, making it a valuable read for anyone touched by this disease.
It can be particularly beneficial for the families of people experiencing dementia, as it offers unique insights into what life is truly like living with memory impairment.
Slow Dancing with a Stranger: Lost & Found in the Age of Alzheimer’s
This candid and deeply moving account of a wife caring for her husband can show the reality of living with a loved one experiencing cognitive decline. The author, Meryl Comer, tells the tale of witnessing her husband progress along his journey with Alzheimer’s.
Slow Dancing with a Stranger: Lost & Found in the Age of Alzheimer’s is an honest portrayal of the isolation and loss experienced by both people living with dementia and their caregivers. It also offers a profound understanding of love, commitment, and resilience in the face of a difficult diagnosis.
Books for Caregivers of People with Dementia
If you’re the caregiver of a loved one with dementia or want to learn more about how to better support someone you know, there are resources available to help you gain a full understanding of dementia and how to care for those experiencing dementia.
You may find yourself needing extra support and guidance. So, here are some books about dementia that can be ideal for caregivers:
The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for People Who Have Alzheimer’s Disease, Related Dementias, & Memory Loss
This non-fiction guide by Nancy L. Mace and Peter V. Rabins comes highly recommended. It offers practical advice for caregivers, along with advice for emotionally supporting both your loved one and yourself.
The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for People Who Have Alzheimer’s Disease, Related Dementias, & Memory Loss is a comprehensive resource that covers a wide range of topics relevant to caring for a loved one with dementia. It’s designed to be easy to navigate, with information broken down into manageable and understandable sections.
It offers information on handling matters like:
- Understanding the different types of dementia and their relevant symptoms
- Nutrition
- Personal hygiene
- Safety
- Home modifications
This book even focuses on acknowledging the emotional burden that caregivers often experience and gives advice on avoiding caregiver burnout. For caregivers, this book can be an incredible wealth of knowledge.
Creating Moments of Joy Along the Alzheimer’s Journey: A Guide for Families & Caregivers
This uplifting book offers strategies for creating joyful moments while supporting someone living with dementia. Written by Jolene Brackey, this book highlights the importance of recognizing and embracing moments of joy while caring for someone with dementia.
This heartfelt guide encourages caregivers to find ways to connect with loved ones through activities they enjoy. And along the way, it also offers practical tips on how to communicate effectively with someone living with dementia, as well as how to handle challenging behaviors with compassion and understanding.
The Alzheimer Action Plan: The Expert Guide to the Best Diagnosis & Treatment for Memory Problems
For people interested in learning through a much more in-depth and educational approach, this comprehensive guide may be the way to go. It provides advice on:
- Recognizing and addressing the early signs of Alzheimer’s
- Understanding the various stages of the disease
- Devising a treatment plan that includes medication, diet, exercise, and cognitive training
- Navigating the medical system to get the right form of care
- Coping strategies for both people with dementia and their caregivers
Written by P. Murali Doraiswamy, Lisa Gwyther, and Tina Adler, The Alzheimer Action Plan: The Expert Guide to the Best Diagnosis & Treatment for Memory Problems also gives insight and understanding into recent research on dementia prevention and management. If you’re considering professional caregiving—or simply want to learn more about Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other kinds of memory impairment, this book can be a good place to start.
Where to Learn More About Dementia
Whether you’re looking to educate yourself further, learn more about supporting a loved one with dementia, or provide the right care for someone in your life, these books can be an excellent resource. But they aren’t the only way to go!
At Mattison Crossing at Manalapan Avenue, we take pride in providing the right form of support for each and every one of our residents in need of memory care. You’re not alone. If you’d like to learn more about dementia or our community, feel free to contact us today! We’re here to help.
