Alzheimer's book

[JoAnnS]

Hi... Can anyone recommend a really good book on understanding this awful disease. I am caring for the sweetest elderly woman who has this disease. This is my first time experiencing this and would like to understand further on how to communicate and deal with her in the most positive and loving way.

I am finishing up my LPN school this June and looking for the right book.\

Thanks guys

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

I would look for a title in Amazon.com. I don't know of any, personally, but, I am sure that using their search engine will bring up a great deal of hits. Main thing to know with them, is that many times, their long term memory is a sharper than short term. Do not give them too many instructions at once, use the color red to identify things, such as the doorknob for the bathroom, or maybe a picture of them (when they were much younger) on a door to indicate their bedroom. Don't startle them and try not to show too much impatience. Good luck to you!

[tbanurse]

There's a great book called the "36-hour day" that does an incredible job of describing the progression of memory loss and different dementias, including Alzheimer's. We frequently give it to families to read when there are tell-tale signs of dementia that the families are not aware of, and especially for those families trying to cope with a loved one at home. It describes normal behaviors, methods of coping with these behaviors, explores the importance of caring for the caregiver, and legal aspects, among multiple other topics. I highly recommend it!! Do a search on Amazon, it pops right up!! Hope that helps!

[santhony44, MSN, RN, NP]

If you're interested in reading about caring for someone with Alzheimer's from the point of view of a spouse, there is a little paperback book called Alzheimer's Case Behaviors Journal by Ruth Lyde. (ISBN # 0976494051). It's available on Amazon. It's Mrs. Lyde's account of caring for her husband from just before he was diagnosed until he passed away. She originally wrote it to provide his doctors with an account of what was happening to him in their everyday lives.

I recently found a used copy of this book and read it. I knew this couple personally before he became ill. They were lovely people, both retired educators when I knew them. They were very active and sharp-witted and he had a mischevious sense of humor. It was quite sad to read. She is now deceased as well.

[coralynwoodson]

JoAnnD, visit the Alzheimer's website for information that you can use. They have many books and titles that you can scroll through to get the information you are look for. Coralyn Woodson

[shannonbananas77]

I am the director of a secured alzheimer's unit and we keep a copy of the 36 hour day. It's a great book. Also, Coach Broyles playbook is pretty much right on. It's a free book, but I can't remember the website right off. Maybe Google it?

[Jules A, MSN]

I'd also consider looking for journal articles because so often books are out of date with current research if you are looking at that angle also. Good luck to you, AZ is a horrible thief, sigh.