Поговорим о деменции. В помощь ухаживающим за людьми с потерей памяти, болезнью Альцгеймера и другими видами деменции

by Лора Уэймен, Ольга Цейтлина (Translator)

«Поговорим о деменции» – прекрасное пособие для тех, кто ухаживает за больными с расстройствами памяти. Автор книги Лора Уэймен, известный геронтолог, лектор, ведущая тренингов и семинаров, разработала собственную методику, эффективность которой подтвердилась в тысячах пансионатов и медучреждений. В основу книги легли реальные истории семей, столкнувшихся с данным диагнозом. Лора Уэймен просто и понятно рассказывает о том, как общаться с людьми, страдающими деменцией, как сохранить здоровую эмоциональную атмосферу и справиться с негативными реакциями больного. Автор показывает на примере своей семьи: всем близким больного необходимо заботиться о собственном физическом и психологическом состоянии, чтобы помощь была эффективной. Книга адресована самому широкому кругу читателей: родным и близким больного, медицинскому персоналу, а также всем тем, кто сталкивается с проблемами потери памяти.

Genres: Nonfiction, Health, Medical, Self Help

190 pages, ebook

First published April 21, 2011

Reviews

[Jason Pettus · Rating 5 out of 5]

2022 reads, #4. Friends know that I'm burning my way through a bunch of eldercare books these days, because of my elderly parents who both currently suffer from different forms of cognitive decline; and out of the 30 or 40 such books I've read in the last three years, this one easily rates in the top tier of them all. That's because author Laura Wayman takes a very direct, practical approach to the subject of dementia here, skipping the usual filler in these kinds of books altogether to instead present a dense series of actual case studies from her real life as a consultant and caregiver trainer, delving over and over into the kinds of tricky, borderline offensive subjects that come with dementia, for sure with a loving heart but absolutely with a cold, sober eye as well. For example, out of all those dozens of eldercare books I've now read, this is the only one of them to even mention the subject of anosognosia (a mental condition in which a person's brain can't bring itself to acknowledge that it's impaired, thus causing the person to behave as if they weren't sick at all), which suddenly gave me a new and much more empathetic way to process the kind of behavior over the last several years that has infuriated me more than not. This entire book is like that, grabbing onto certain delicate questions all us elder caregivers have ("Why is my elderly parent refusing to bathe? Why is my elderly parent calling me 10 to 20 times a day? Why has my elderly parent become dysfunctionally obsessed with a necklace she lost decades ago?"), and then presenting lovingkindness-based, real-world ways to actually deal with the issues that are causing the behavior. (One of my absolute favorites, for example, and one that had an immediate effect in my own life, is Wayman's description of a dementia fugue as that person "stepping through the lookingglass into Wonderland," and how the most productive thing you can do in those situations is simply step through the lookingglass with them, essentially indulging them in whatever crazy things they're saying in the same way you might indulge a small child behaving in exactly the same way.) It comes very strongly recommended in this spirit, not a padded-out listicle like so many of these eldercare books are, but an actual practical and information-heavy guide to how to deal with these often maddening subjects out here in the real world where you and I live.

[Tamara Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A Loving Approach to Dementia Care: Making Meaningful Connections While Caregiving" provides the reader with tools to transition from being in dementia denial to becoming dementia aware. The book is organized as such: introduction, twenty chapters, a lessons, perceptions, and approaches reader guide, the dementia-aware guide to caregiving, references, and an index.

The book begins with an introduction from the author and within the introduction, the author informs the reader than this book is meant to empower the reader to take care of themselves as a caregiver in order to best care for those with dementia. Each of the twenty chapters is presented with a true story of a caregiver and their loved one who has dementia followed by lessons learned, perceptions, and approaches.

This book is insightful in that it provide information in a way that is heartbreaking, touching, and honestly presents the experiences of those who have dementia as well as those who care who them. Personally, I learned so much from reading this book such as there being over 100 different types of dementia (in addition to Alzheimer's.) The book also teaches such powerful techniques as creative interventions and affirmative responses to help caregivers assist those with dementia.

After finishing reading this book, I strongly recommend it for those who know someone who has been diagnosed with dementia or as a way to better education yourself in being more compassionate to those who are impacted by dementia.

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent listen for learning tips and adjusting my mindset for helping with my dad’s Dementia.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short (108 page) book is a perfect book for the busy caregiver. It is easy to read and is written in layman's language. Each chapter shares a story of a real dementia patient and then Wayman offers advice on how to work with that patient to avoid conflict, anger, aggitation and to reduce confusion. But Wayman's overall message is the importance of the caregiver taking care of himself/herself and to not feel bad about feelings of anger and guilt.

[Karen Morisette · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easy read but very informative and insightful. It helped me to understand where I have instinctively been doing things right, where I have to do some "tweaking," and where I was totally off base. I would highly recommend for those who have anyone in their lives with Dementia.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly recommend

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really accessible exploration of the ramifications of dementia. I'm only just beginning to think about what the Alzheimer's diagnosis will mean for my relatives, but I think this will be an excellent resource to return to over and over again in the coming years, so that I can continue to have a meaningful relationship with them, as well as to support their primary caretakers.

Each chapter explores a different aspect of Alzheimer's disease and dementia symptoms, so it will be easy to return to the individual chapters based on which advice I'm seeking at the time.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent and positive book about caring for loved ones. It offers stories of others and their struggles and successes in caring for a changing parent or spouse. Wayman is a strong proponent of meeting the person with dementia in their world and of reflecting back their thoughts and feelings. It is easy to read in short bursts and can be used over time as a reference during stressful situations.

[Susan McCormick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a lot of books about Alzheimer's disease and dementia while I was caring for my mother with Alzheimer's. This slim book packed in all I needed, with extremely practical advice for multiple situations. The concrete examples of how to speak with someone with dementia completely changed the way I interacted with my mom and changed our entire life together to one of joy, despite the disease.

[Beverly K · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very informative book with good approaches for how to deal with someone with dementia. Unfortunately, it was also very depressing, perhaps because I was reading it right after returning from the nursing home where my father lives now.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful practical advice. Not a book you want to need to read, but if you do, it's worth your time.

[Alisha Juma · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book provides a good exploration of utilising affirmative responses and embracing the reality of individuals living with dementia. It offers valuable insights, particularly for family members and caregivers grappling with the moral dilemma of accepting their loved one's unfounded beliefs without inadvertently reinforcing such patterns of thinking. The author highlights the counterproductive nature of pointing out errors and inconsistencies in the logic of someone with dementia, emphasising that such approaches often lead to distress. I also enjoyed the well-needed coverage of anosognosia, contributing to a deeper understanding of the individual’s awareness and understanding of their own dementia.

However, I wish the author used more person-centred language when talking about approaches to care.

While the recommended strategies in the book are undeniably person-centred, there are instances where the narrative seems slightly misaligned. The author underscores the caregiver as the most crucial person in the relationship with someone living with dementia, emphasising the importance of seeking support and reducing stress levels. While acknowledging the caregiver's significant role and influence, it might be more accurate to describe them as the most 'influential' rather than the most 'important' person in the interaction.

Furthermore, the repeated use of the term 'dementia-challenged person' to refer to individuals living with dementia, although not inherently offensive, detracts from the book's commitment to a truly person-centred care environment. Language plays a pivotal role in shaping our perceptions of those we care for, and adopting terminology that aligns more closely with the book's core values would enhance its overall consistency and impact.

[Laurah Francoeur · Rating 5 out of 5]

My husband was diagnosed 3 years ago with dementia after he began to lose things. He would accuse someone of stealing, even in the night. He was on medication but his symptoms progressed to anger and short fuse over little things. This was a man who was soft spoken, slow to anger and gentle. It was such a change for us to try to manage a whole new way of living. He is 67, I'm 66 and I felt so stressed sometimes. I didn’t know what each day will start with. I retired in April that year and was with him 24/7. I have been researching for a while now, and I think this has helped. Have you ever come across Health herbs clinic Dementia HERBAL FORMULA (just google it). It is a smashing one of a kind product for reversing Dementia completely.4 months into treatment he has improved dramatically. the disease is totally under control. No case of dementia, particularly the hallucination, weakness, and his mood swings. visit their website healthherbsclinic .com I Just wanted to share for people suffering from this horrible disease

[Katherine Bhana · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Mother was diagnosed 3 years ago with dementia after she began to lose things. She would accuse someone of stealing, even in the night, she was on medication but her symptoms progressed to anger and short fuse over little things. This was a woman who was soft spoken, slow to anger and kind. It was such a change for us to try to manage a whole new way of living. She is 82, I’m 66 and I felt so stressed sometimes. I didn’t know what each day will start with. I retired in April that year and was with her 24/7. I have been researching for a while now, and I think this has helped. Have you ever come across Natural Herbs Centre Dementia Ayurvedic Protocol (just google it). It is a smashing one of a kind product for reversing Dementia completely.6 months into treatment she has improved dramatically. the disease is totally under control. No case of dementia, particularly the hallucination, weakness, and her mood swings. visit natural herbs centre .com I Just wanted to share for people suffering from this horrible disease

[Anna Zenchenkova · Rating 4 out of 5]

Неплохая книга для людей, ухаживающих за дементными больными. В целом, огромной информативностью книга не обладает - мало научных фактов, не особо много способов поладить с больными. По сути, стоит читать ради пары десятков страниц в конце, где обсуждаются конкретные действия в конкретных ситуациях, остальное - мысль о том, что ухаживающему нужны отдых и помощь от окружающих и что принятие реальности дементного больного поможет улучшить с ним отношения. Читать или нет - вопрос открытый.

[Valeria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has been one of the most informative and compassionate approaches to dementia care I’ve read. It’s simple and direct yet written in such empathetic terms not only for the patient but the caregiver as well. Of course not every example given will match up entirely to one’s own experience but the lessons and tips you can learn from each chapter are irreplaceable. I highly recommend this book to anyone facing dementia care; it’s a short and very effective read.

[Bonnie McKeegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written, easy to understand, straightforward language to help anyone who loves or works with dementia patients/clients. This book will no doubt broaden your knowledge base, skills, and increase your empathy. Examples and specific approaches are written so that you can take the information and apply it immediately. Highly recommend.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book means very well and can be informative if you’re just starting out in the care of someone with dementia, but it left me with more questions than answers and was not as informative as I had hoped. Nice book but not what you want to read if you’re looking for insights and help with dementia.

[Chad E Spilman · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a healthcare professional, this was a good resource for me to refresh some of the training I have received on dementia and confused patients. There are details on how to guide you in some circumstances and guidelines when they get aggressive and uncooperative or frightened. This book is excellent in helping a caregiver with understanding a person with dementia.

[Aditi · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's quite an easy read. I have first-hand experience with Parkinson's-related dementia, and this book is spot on. I had to take on the responsibility of a caregiver during COVID and post-COVID, which was extremely stressful for a novice like me. However, this book has calmed my nostalgic nerves. It has helped me to overcome my guilt about not being able to do my best.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

First half was very informative. Learned a lot about the desease and feel like I understand more what’s been going on with my mom. Second half of the book felt very repetitive and more for professional caregivers. Definitely would recommend to anyone who has a family member battling Dementia. So many important things to think about out throughout the caregiving process.

[Boris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Замечательный справочник. Читается быстро, хотя и тяжело из-за поднятой темы. Есть советы для разнообразных ситуаций при уходе за страдающим от деменции.
Хотелось бы, чтобы такая информация была более распространена.

[B · Rating 3 out of 5]

A few good tips along with interesting family stories making it a good secondary book to read about how to work through a dementia situation. Still looking for that primary book i can turn to over and over again.

[Lupe Garibay-Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great resource for anyone who has dedicated themselves to elderly loved ones or has dedicated themselves to taking care of the sick & elderly.
This is a great read. Very helpful. Highly recommended.

[writnkitten · Rating 5 out of 5]

VERY helpful!

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best practices for caregivers to keep in mind, some of which may be harder than others, like “look after and be kind to your own self.”

[Ori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well explained and very useful

[Sam Villaluz · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”

Stories, strategies, learnings to help one adapt to the ever changing needs of a loved one with dementia.

[Susan Krutzler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding. A must read for anyone going through any type of dementia caretaking. So many good tips and so much good and insightful information. Really good

[Y Liang · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book I finished as I started down this path of searching for answers to FTD. Short read that gets you in the right mindset to tackle an overwhelming challenge.