Book explaining dementia/Alzheimers?

[kukukajoo, LPN]

I am looking for a book or booklet that explains the changes one might expect in alzheimers and dementia patients in a clear way and how to cope with and deal with the situations.

My gram has changed so much and unfortunately no matter how much I explain to my daughter gram's mental changes (being mean and rude, etc.) are the disease process and she can not help them, she still takes it to heart when poor gram says her hair looks a mess or she looks fat in those clothes, etc.

Its really hard because my kids are getting keyed up and upset and then I am dealing with both gram and them when something is said.

I just want them to understand that the giving loving woman they knew until last year is still there and the rotten stuff she has a tendency to say is not her at all and they need to let it go and try not to take it to heart. THey love her so much it is hard for them not to.

Thanks!

[casi, ASN, RN]

Have you been to the Alzheimer's Associations website yet? They have lists of books that are aimed at different age groups. http://www.alz.org/we_can_help_resource_lists.asp

[MisMatch, LPN]

"The 36-Hour Day: A Family's Guide to Caring for People with Alzheimer's Disease, Other Dementias and Memory Loss in Later Life" by Nancy L Mace & Peter V. Rabins is a book that came highly recommended by many when I did a paper on this subject. As a nursing student, I found it to be clear, consise, well written and user friendly.

[Pepper The Cat, BSN, RN]

"The 36-Hour Day: A Family's Guide to Caring for People with Alzheimer's Disease, Other Dementias and Memory Loss in Later Life" by Nancy L Mace & Peter V. Rabins is a book that came highly recommended by many when I did a paper on this subject. As a nursing student, I found it to be clear, consise, well written and user friendly.

This is an excellent book. My family and I found it a great resource when dealing with my Mother's Alzheimer's. I highly recommend it.