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A Caregiver's Guide to Alzheimer's Disease: 300 Tips for Making Life Easier
"An estimated 5 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease. That number continues to grow - by 2050 the number of individuals with Alzheimer's could range from 11.3 million to 16 million. Alzheimer's disease is not a normal part of aging. It is a devastating disorder of the brain's nerve cells that impairs memory, thinking, and behavior. Written for patients, their families, and caregivers, A Caregiver's Guide to Alzheimer's 300 Tips for Making Life Easier will help readers understand what is physically happening to the brain so they can empower their own special skills and talents throughout the disease process. The book is divided into three sections that correspond to the progression of Alzheimer's and the unique challenges encountered at each stage. Section The major part of the book divides the progression of the disease into the Pre-Clinical Stage Early-To-Mild Stage, which marks the onset of the disease Moderate Stage and the Severe Stage. Hundreds of practical tips geared to coping and compensating at each level of the disease provide support for the affected individual and the caregiver. Section A bonus section of questions and answers addresses specific issues caregivers face and give them points to reflect on as they continue the process. Key topics covered
136 pages, Paperback
First published November 10, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 30, 2014
When my mother was diagnosed, I did not have the time nor the real desire to read anything in depth on the subject. I was in shock. After major surgery, her condition worsened quickly and I needed something easy, direct and helpful. This book was the only one I could handle at the time. It made a difference at the time and I still refer to it.
Later on there was time and interest in reading something more in depth, but not then. Not everyone wants or needs an encyclopedia on the subject. Sometimes what one needs is just some simple understanding and advice on how to deal with things at the moment. I recommend this book to those people, and apparently, so does our local Alzheimer's Assocoation. They have multiple copies in their well stocked lending library.
Later on there was time and interest in reading something more in depth, but not then. Not everyone wants or needs an encyclopedia on the subject. Sometimes what one needs is just some simple understanding and advice on how to deal with things at the moment. I recommend this book to those people, and apparently, so does our local Alzheimer's Assocoation. They have multiple copies in their well stocked lending library.
January 2, 2011
**REVIEW REVISITED**
I previously panned this book for being light on substance. Then I found myself sitting across a table from someone who had just learned that a loved one had received a diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimers. This person wanted to understand more about what to expect as the disease progresses, but my go-to reference on the subject, the highly-respected The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for People with Alzheimer Disease, Other Dementias, and Memory Loss in Later Life, would have been utterly overwhelming. It was, in that case, a relief to have THIS book available to offer as an accessible orientation. I take back what I said before about this book being inadequate. Comprehensive it is not, but when you're still getting used to the idea of living with dementia, comprehensive isn't what you need. A very helpful starting point.
--Original Review--
Short and accessible, but hardly adequate for the many questions that will confront a primary caregiver -- this book is probably more appropriate for a friend or family member who is not directly involved with daily care, but wants some orientation to support a loved one with dementia and the primary caregivers.
There are a few helpful pointers, but very little that will be news to a reader with even the most general acquaintance with AD and related disorders, and only the most cursory of guidance for the more difficult challenges a caregiver might face. The book's chief selling point is also it's chief liability: at a mere 110 pages, it's easy to pick up, but you haven't learned much when you get to the end.
I previously panned this book for being light on substance. Then I found myself sitting across a table from someone who had just learned that a loved one had received a diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimers. This person wanted to understand more about what to expect as the disease progresses, but my go-to reference on the subject, the highly-respected The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for People with Alzheimer Disease, Other Dementias, and Memory Loss in Later Life, would have been utterly overwhelming. It was, in that case, a relief to have THIS book available to offer as an accessible orientation. I take back what I said before about this book being inadequate. Comprehensive it is not, but when you're still getting used to the idea of living with dementia, comprehensive isn't what you need. A very helpful starting point.
--Original Review--
Short and accessible, but hardly adequate for the many questions that will confront a primary caregiver -- this book is probably more appropriate for a friend or family member who is not directly involved with daily care, but wants some orientation to support a loved one with dementia and the primary caregivers.
There are a few helpful pointers, but very little that will be news to a reader with even the most general acquaintance with AD and related disorders, and only the most cursory of guidance for the more difficult challenges a caregiver might face. The book's chief selling point is also it's chief liability: at a mere 110 pages, it's easy to pick up, but you haven't learned much when you get to the end.
December 21, 2023
Found this on a "take a book, leave a book" bookshelf at a coffee shop. My mother has Alzheimer's, so I felt this was the universe telling me something (though I didn't leave a book to replace this one, so I suppose I've got some bad karma coming). I was pleasantly surprised. It did have some practical tips on how to better connect with her and how to preserve her dignity.
March 2, 2018
Good ideas for caregiver (or yourself) as this devastating disease inevitably progresses
January 8, 2019
This title held insightful and astounding information about Alzheimer's Disease and offered great information for caregivers.
October 12, 2022
Lots of good information.
July 2, 2014
I felt like this book is more for those just beginning as a caregiver. Which wasn't as helpful or relevant to me at this time. Some chapters had too much detail before getting to the point. I didn't care as much for the suppose "stories". Overall, the layout was good. Author does a good job of separating the disease into 3 categories rather than 5, which is more relevant to most families going through Alzheimers. If you are new to caregiving or want basic info, this book may be a good fit for you. In the end, I did take away a few tips that I felt would be helpful for me. But overall, I would suggest others to read the book "36hr Day".
June 4, 2014
Easy guide for anyone involved with the care of someone with Alzheimer's Disease or dementia.
March 23, 2015
There is some good information in this book but not a lot of sympathy for the caregiver. With all the informational works out there, I wouldn't put this one at the top of my list.
August 31, 2012
helpful
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews