Your Name Is Hughes Hannibal Shanks: A Caregiver's Guide to Alzheimer's

by Lela Knox Shanks, Steven H. Zarit (Foreword)

The author describes her treatment of her husband after he was struck down with Alzheimer's disease and her struggle to accept and to cope with his illness

224 pages, Paperback

First published November 28, 1996

Reviews

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started this book feeling very angry at the unfairness of this disease, and finished it in complete awe. The incredible love Lela Shanks carries for her husband is so palpable you can almost touch it. She interweaves practical caregiving tips with a philosophy about respecting the innate humanity of the person with the disease. This book has changed my whole point of view on Alzheimers, and I am very thankful for it.

Although I would highly recommend this book to anyone whose life has been touched by AD, I would caution that a person has to be emotionally, and spiritually ready or this will probably only make things worse. Lela Shanks is very honest and truthful about her journey. She does not sugar coat or make excuses. On the other hand, this book has given me a measure of hope that I thought I had lost forever.

[Jeri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shanks shares some very important ideas for caregivers to consider....among them: why would you give someone with the mental capacity of a 3 year old a choice? the difference between intercourse and intimacy and whether sex is still a good choice for your relationship. the importance of letting go of the person that was and changing expectations to fit reality. finding yourself and your life...YOU don't have dementia.

Overall, this book was worth buying and adding to my collection.

[Janai Symons · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book for caregivers of Alzheimer's patients. It is written by the wife of a patient and describes the challenges, stages, and provides helpful tips for caring for the patient. It also describes very useful self-care advice to help the caregiver survive the experience and keep boundaries and sanity to the extent possible under such challenging circumstances.

[Deanna Nickels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Lela Shanks is an inspirational woman and presents a practical, inspirational guide to caring for an Alzheimer's patient at home. She writes from her own experience with humor and devotion. An excellent book.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the finest books I have ever read. And read more than once. And loaned out more than once. And gifted to a couple of people.