Alzheimer’s disease can present challenges, but it doesn’t have to define your relationship with a loved one. At Bear Creek Assisted Living, we understand the importance of connection and support. Reading about Alzheimer’s can be a powerful tool, offering comfort, wisdom, and practical strategies for navigating this journey.
This blog post explores a range of books—from firsthand accounts to comprehensive guides—that can empower caregivers, family members, and healthcare professionals. We hope these resources will equip you to manage the complexities of Alzheimer’s while fostering meaningful moments with your loved one.
Here are some books we recommend about Alzheimer’s:
- Meet Me Where I Am: An Alzheimer’s Care Guide by Mary Ann Drummond
- The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for People Who Have Alzheimer Disease, Other Dementias, and Memory Loss by Nancy L. Mace and Peter V. Rabins
- Still Alice by Lisa Genova
- Dancing with Rose: Finding Life in the Land of Alzheimer: One Daughter’s Hopeful Story by Lauren Kessler
- Alzheimer’s Disease Sourcebook: Basic Consumer Health Information About Alzheimer’s Disease, Related Disorders, and Other Dementias by Karen Bellenir
- Behavioral Neurology of Dementia by Bruce L. Miller & Bradley F. Boeve
- Clinical Manual of Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias by Myron F. Weiner and Anne M. Lipton
- Alzheimer’s in America: A Woman’s Nation Takes on Alzheimer’s by Maria Shriver and The Alzheimer’s Association
Meet Me Where I Am
Meet Me Where I Am by Mary Ann Drummond is a comprehensive resource for family caregivers and healthcare professionals navigating the challenges of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease. This book offers practical advice, personal stories, and valuable insights from experts in the field.
Lilac Trace Memory Care is built on the “meet me where I am” philosophy inspired by this book.
We recommend this book because:
- It’s written by a registered nurse with extensive experience in dementia care, with caregivers in mind.
- It provides a philosophy of compassionate care, emphasizing the importance of meeting the person with dementia where they are in their journey.
- It encourages caregivers to find joy in the caregiving experience and focus on the possibilities that still exist for their loved ones.
- It helps us prepare for the road ahead with practical advice.
The 36-Hour Day
This classic guide, written by Nancy L. Mace & Peter V. Rabins, is essential reading for anyone caring for someone with dementia. Offering practical advice on the myriad issues caregivers face, The 36-Hour Day is both a comforting companion and a comprehensive resource, addressing everything from discussing the diagnosis to managing advanced symptoms.
This book provides a thorough foundation on Alzheimer’s and is particularly valuable for new caregivers needing structured guidance.
We recommend this book because:
- It’s informative and insightful, offering a clear understanding of dementia.
- It’s practical and helpful, with actionable advice for caregivers.
- It’s compassionate and supportive, acknowledging the emotional challenges of dementia.
- It’s a valuable resource for families facing Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias.
- It’s been trusted by caregivers for decades and is considered a classic in the field.
- It specifically addresses the concerns of families with loved ones in assisted living.
Still Alice
Lisa Genova, a neuroscientist, explores Alzheimer’s from the patient’s point of view in a fictional narrative that is both enlightening and emotionally potent. Still Alice follows a Harvard professor’s journey into early-onset Alzheimer’s and its impact on her identity and family life.
This novel realistically portrays living with Alzheimer’s, fostering empathy and understanding and providing insight for caregivers and family members.
We recommend this book because:
- It offers a powerful and intimate look at Alzheimer’s disease through the eyes of the patient.
- It sparks empathy and understanding, making the challenges of Alzheimer’s more relatable.
- It provides valuable insights for caregivers and family members navigating this difficult journey.
- It can help you better understand your loved one’s experience and prepare for the future.
Dancing with Rose
Based on the author’s experience working in an Alzheimer’s facility, Dancing with Rose by Lauren Kessler is a real look into the day-to-day lives of Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers. Approaching the disease with humor and humanity, Kessler paints portraits of memorable individuals finding joy despite their cognitive declines.
This book celebrates the dignity of every person affected by Alzheimer’s and the beauty in every moment.
We recommend this book because:
- It offers a heartwarming and honest look at life in an Alzheimer’s community based on real experiences.
- It celebrates the resilience and spirit of both patients and caregivers facing this disease.
- It challenges stereotypes and shows the beauty that can exist even in the face of cognitive decline.
Alzheimer’s Disease Sourcebook
Alzheimer’s Disease Sourcebook by Karen Bellenir provides a comprehensive overview of Alzheimer’s disease for the general public, discussing its stages, treatments, and potential causes. It also touches on living with Alzheimer’s, available care options, and legal issues.
We recommend this book because:
- It includes clear, well-researched information for professionals seeking a solid grounding in Alzheimer’s.
- It provides clear information on the signs of Alzheimer’s.
- It offers information on caregiving, legal and financial issues, and emotional support.
Behavioral Neurology of Dementia
A deep dive into behavioral neurology, Behavioral Neurology of Dementia by Bruce L. Miller and Bradley F. Boeve details the cognitive and personality changes associated with various types of dementia. Each chapter is written by a different expert, providing a broad scope of viewpoints and knowledge.
This book is more academic in nature and ideal for healthcare professionals eager to gain a deeper understanding of dementia’s manifestations.
Clinical Manual of Alzheimer’s Disease & Other Dementias
This clinical manual by Myron F. Weiner and Anne M. Lipton offers practical advice and instruction on diagnosing and treating dementia. Clinicians will especially appreciate the case study approach.
This manual is a pragmatic resource for medical professionals managing Alzheimer’s in a clinical setting.
Alzheimer’s in America by Maria Shriver & The Alzheimer’s Association
Maria Shriver combines her journalistic talent with her heart to bring awareness to the enormous burden Alzheimer’s places on individuals, families, society, and specifically women.
Alzheimer’s in America highlights personal narratives and societal implications, driving home the urgency of the Alzheimer’s crisis.
We recommend this book because:
- It provides valuable information about Alzheimer’s, helping caregivers better understand the condition and the challenges faced by their loved ones.
- It offers insights and advice on managing the emotional and mental stress of caregiving, along with practical tips for daily tasks.
- It provides a unique focus on women’s experiences with Alzheimer’s disease.
- Increased Empathy: The book can help caregivers develop a deeper understanding of their loved one’s perspective and actions due to Alzheimer’s.
Bear Creek Assisted Living Can Help
Bear Creek Assisted Living is a Lilac Trace Memory Care neighborhood. Our team is dedicated to providing specialized care for those living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
In addition, our community has a focus on promoting overall wellness through engaging activities, healthy meals, and a comfortable living space. We believe that staying active and social can improve cognitive function and quality of life for those living with Alzheimer’s.
Contact our Lilac Trace Memory Care team to schedule a visit and see how we can support your loved one on their journey with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
