Product Description
Offering an enlightened new approach to Alzheimer's care A Dignified Life will become a practical, life-enhancing resource for anyone faced with the daunting responsibility of caring for someone with Alzheimer's, either at home or a medical facility.

Four million Americans currently suffer from Alzheimer's disease and experts estimate that 22 million people around the world will be so afflicted by 2025. Far too many families are struggling with the emotionally and physically draining responsibility of redefining their relationship with, and caring for, someone who not long ago was a vibrant member of society, yet may not know their own name today.

A Dignified Life helps combat the burnout and frustration that often accompany the task of caring for an Alzheimer's patient. Author David Troxel, an Alzheimer's expert and executive director of the California Central Coast chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, maintains that at its simplest this approach is based on treating the person like a best friend and working from their strengths, not their weaknesses. He explains: "As family members, caregivers and professionals, we have to try to connect with them. People with this disease in some way need someone to be . . . attentive and empathetic--someone who really tries to walk a mile in their shoes."

A Dignified Life goes beyond the typical tips offered by most books and takes advantage of readers' instinctive desire to build friendships and taps into the intuitive aspect of caregiving that is part of our very nature. It provides a complete model for care built around creative and effective communication and meaningful activities and includes touching stories that demonstrate how the Best Friends method continues to improve the lives of both those who have Alzheimer's disease and those who care for them. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

ALmost but not quite
This book had a few useful tips but overall I found it only barely useful. It is a rehash of info found nearly everywhere else. It only
touches,lightly, on the deeper problems of caring for a loved one with alzheimers, I.e. Anger, delusions, obsessive compulsive behavior, fears, etc. it is hard to be "best friend" when someone is enraged and threatening to kill you. Granted, these are empty threats and forgotten after a few minutes, but it is still difficult to deal with. OCD is even more difficult when it results in dangerous or difficult to handle behavior.

So, bottom line, I am still looking for more helpful onto and guidance.

a dignified life
Very good to familiarize yourself as to what is coming w/the disease and how to handle difficult situations as they come up.

Best Friends Approach to Caregiving
The underlying concept of the "best friends" approach to Alzheimer's caregiving is to treat another with kindnessand compassion, and this book is a helpful reminder to put caregiving into that framework.Having read many resources about Alzheimer's caregiving, however, I found it a bit general and basic and had hoped for a more in-depth book.Still, it doesn't hurt to be reminded.

Positive Help
Best Friends redefines the role of family "caregivers" as partners rather than supervisors, an approach that gives dignity to the relationship. Reinforced by examples of people with dementia who chose to be identified by their full names and details of their lives, this says fundamentally, "I am a person" not a generic case history.
A Dignified Life provides fun activities for people: real persons in this unusually challenging partnership of Alzheimers or dementia patients and their carers.

Shortly after it had been highly recommended to me by a former Alzheimer's Association executive, I ordered it from Amazon, and read it that the first night it arrived, like a thriller! Compared to reading other books on the topic of Alzheimers, which usually treated both the caregiver and patient as sufferers,threatening a downward spiral, this was a really hopeful and encouraging experience.At my caregiver support groupI spoke about its positive and hopeful approach, and as the book passed around, all took note.It should be one of the first "go to" resources in our repertoire.

Great Read for Caregivers
This book has a lot of helpful advice.There are so many good books on this subject, but one of the most important things a caregiver can learn is compassion for the person with Alzheimer's.We have to try to see it through that person's eyes. ... Read more

Product Description
Most people think there is little or nothing you can do to avoid Alzheimer's. But scientists know this is no longer true. In fact, prominent researchers now say that our best and perhaps only hope of defeating Alzheimer's is to prevent it.

After best-selling author Jean Carper discovered that she had the major susceptibility gene for Alzheimer's, she was determined to find all the latest scientific evidence on how to escape it. She discovered 100 surprisingly simple scientifically tested ways to radically cut the odds of Alzheimer's, memory decline, and other forms of dementia.

Did you know that vitamin B 12 helps keep your brain from shrinking? Apple juice mimics a common Alzheimer's drug? Surfing the internet strengthens aging brain cells? Ordinary infections and a popular anesthesia may trigger dementia? Meditating spurs the growth of new neurons? Exercise is like Miracle-Gro for your brain?

Even a few preventive actions could dramatically change your future by postponing Alzheimer's so long that you eventually outlive it. If you can delay the onset of Alzheimer's for five years, you cut your odds of having it by half. Postpone Alzheimer's for ten years, and you'll most likely never live to see it. 100 Simple Things You Can Do to Prevent Alzheimer's will change the way you look at Alzheimer's and provide exciting new answers from the frontiers of brain research to help keep you and your family free of this heartbreaking disease. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (18)

Alzheimer's Join the Fight : Help Eliminate the Disase: Become More Aware
100 Simple Things You Can Do to Prevent Alzheimer's and Age-Related Memory Loss
Author: Jean Carper

" I feel like I am losing my mind." People say that all of the time without even realizing it. You feel stressed, angry or confused and can't get a grip of a specific situation or event that has happened or will occur. But, just stop and think about what "losing your mind" really means. What if you woke up every morning and looked into a mirror and had no idea where you were, your name or even where you live? Walking alone in the street is no longer an option because you get lost, disoriented and can't remember in which direction you came? Looking around you no one and nothing seems familiar. That face in the mirror is just a face and the mind or brain inside is gone. You are no longer yourself, the person you once were and can do nothing about it. Why wait until that happens? Why become a victim of your own circumstances and fall prey to one of the most deadly, horrific and degrading illnesses that plagues so many today, Alzheimer's. If you can prevent, delay or even never become one if its victims, with just a few daily changes in your lifestyle, diet, mindset and more, would you? I would and have already and with the information in Jean Carper's outstanding book and resource, 100 Simple Things You Can Do to Prevent Alzheimer's and Age-Related Memory Loss and you will be on the road improving your mind, body and hopefully Alzheimer's free forever.

Think of Alzheimer's having a bottle of acid poured inside of your brain. Slowly and painfully the acid wears away all of your brain tissue and function until there is nothing left. If you saw a car coming at you in the street you would move out of the way and avoid getting hit. Why wait to get hit when you can do some really simple things to avoid getting hit by this illness and live your life Brain Strong.

What are some of the ways author, Jean Carper states you can avoid this illness? I am not going into the medical research or aspects sited in this book. You can read that for yourself. Rather, I am going to expand on the many foods, exercises, drinks and practical ways you can eliminate Alzheimer's from your life, slow down the illness and become a brighter, smarter and more alert YOU!

How about the old adage, " An apple a day keeps the doctor away."What if an apple, apple juice or grape juice kept the old Alzheimer's away and the neurologist even farther away. Would you drink these juices and try eating an apple? I do.

Green vegetables, fresh fruits, berries, no trans fats, whole grains, cut out the sugar, add the coffee and caffeine as just some positive ways you can improve your brain, memory and keep dementia and Alzheimer's away. After learning several years ago that my cholesterol level was shooting up to the stars and why weight was getting closer to two hundred, I heard my doctor's voice loud and clear when he said: You need to lose weight, watch what you are eating and get off of that chair and start moving. My mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and instead of doing what I normally do, keeping active, eating the right foods and more I became angry, upset and distraught that I had to retire from teaching and did not work any more. That was definitely the wrong route to take. Learning my health was now in jeopardy I decided to become more pro active and do something about it. Lost the weight, lowered the cholesterol, staying away from eggs, red meat, fried foods and butter does help. I never eat foods with tons of sugar, insist that food prepared in a restaurant is without salt or seasonings, and I have never felt better. I even walk every day and do the stairs when I can. Walking is the greatest release of excess anger, energy and tends to alleviate the stress that I encounter daily. Writing, reviewing books and many other brain stimulating activities add to the fact that I am told that I never forget anything which can be quite irritating to some.

The author created a profile for those who are conscientious and it fits me to the letter. Stating that checking your blood sugar, making sure your cholesterol levels are right and keeping yourself in good health are factors that will lower your risk for Alzheimer's. But, there is much more that you can do to prevent this dread disease from coming into your mind, body and brain.

Everyone goes through rough patches but the trick is to not become despondent, depressed and unhappy. Talking to your doctor, your family and staying upbeat, calm, cool and collected does help. In other words, don't sweat the small stuff it could lead to a whole lot of troubling big stuff. The author continues with many more foods, things to avoid and exercises that would help delay or prevent this disease. The one that really hits home is sugar level since my family is prone to diabetes, which both my grandparents had. Watching my grandmother check her sugar levels daily was really interesting as she performed the tests at least three times a day. She never ate anything she was not supposed to and she did have trouble seeing due to cataracts that were never removed. The cataracts and slight vision problems were due to the diabetes and other physical problems. Anyone who does not heed the warning of checking your sugar and blood levels for cholesterol are really asking for trouble in more ways than one. Your eyes are the window to the world and poor vision could be sign of things going downhill. Get your eyes checked.

This book is definitely written for the layperson. Easy to understand with research to back up each chapter, each of the one hundred ways to not get this dreaded disease, author Jean Carper has created a great resource for readers, caregivers, Alzheimer's centers, hospitals and nursing facilities.

One hundred simple things that everyone can implement and add to their daily routine can add years to their lives. Why would you even hesitate or have to think about it? Mental activities, word games, puzzles, music, learning a new dance, jogging, cutting down on the sugar, calories and socializing and smiling can help ward off the dreaded Alzheimer disease. Smiling means you are upbeat, happy, not depressed and calm. The Research speaks for itself. The results are quite profound-common sense ways to help keep your mind alert, active and on target. Jean Carper, in her 70's was a former CNN medical correspondent and columnist. Having the gene for Alzheimer's she decided to research scientific studies that would help her to stave off this horrific illness that destroys brain cells and depletes minds.

Bottom Line: Create an environment rich in print, social activities, mind challenging games board, video and paper, eat the right foods, watch that waist line and make sure your stomach does not hang out, and you must might ward off this disease. I for one have tried many of the one hundred tips. I host a two radio shows on Blog Talk Radio which requires a lot of time and preparation. I review books for authors all over the world and that is truly challenging. I even wrote five books and one on Alzheimer's. I eat right, my blood pressure is on the low side and my sugar levels are fine. You too can start on the road to great health and prevent this disease from getting you.

Let's gang up on Alzheimer's and declare war. This is war that requires no weapons, guns or fighting. It just requires each one of us to read this book, try at least 25 of the great tips and add one more every week. Grow that bigger brain, eat those fruits and vegetables and learn the rest by reading this book. If I gave away all of the one hundred tips and the final chapter that tells you how to put it all together: I would reveal too much.

Remember: A Mind Is Precious: You Don't Want to Lose Yours!

Herm's opinion
The book is easy reading. It is eye-opening to realize all the "little" things that enter into an association with the prospect of Alzheimer's. The author is to be commended for her efforts in cataloging each topic. Much of the remedies are familiar activities but many are surprising.

Quick & easy read
Jane offers researched tips that anyone can practice in a 1-2 page per tip book format.

100 Simple Things You Can Do to Prevent Alzheimer's and Age-Related Memory Loss
100 Simple Things You Can Do to Prevent Alzheimer's and Age-Related Memory Loss Go to John's Hopkins Univercity put Is Alzheimer's preventable in the search and check out page 14 of the document.Summary Alzheimer's is not Preventable. Never mind here is the link
[...]

Very Helpful
Jean Carper hits all the right spots, writing clearly and forcefully. She doesn't overdo it withoverhyped claims and clearly let's you know whenher suggested strategiesare the result of one study, two, or many, and often examines contradicting studies.

Equally important, the strategies she so effectively presents cannot possibly ( at last it seems to me) be harmful in moderation and indeed should probably be useful for all of us, no matter our age.

I have read some of her earlier books and this is as effective and engaging as those that preceded it ... Read more

Product Description
The director of the New York Memory and Healthy Aging Services offers sound advice for patients and caregivers facing Alzheimer's disease. This guide covers prevention, treatment, and coping with memory loss and examines the symptoms and stages of Alzheimer's. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Excellent book on the subject of Alzheimer's
I originally took this book out of the library but quickly decided that it was one I wanted to own. The book is honest and informative and I was even blessed enough to get an e-mail answer from the author when I had a question. As much as I pray for a cure, this guide has proved very helpful to me.

What Your Doctor May Not Have Told You About Alzheimer's
This is a very practical book and gives HOPE. While it is a bit dated--written in 2004, it still is full of great ideas. It offers great alternative approaches as well and is written by a doctor with a heart.

Alzheimer Information
A good book to add to your library on Alzheimer's disease. When my mother was diagnosed with this desaese we needed information and this book was one of the many excellent resources we found.

What the Doctor May Not Tell You About Alzheimer's Disease
I'm trained as a counselor specializing in elder care, so I read a lot of books about different mental and physical problems that effect older people. This book is one of the best for its positive approach, concrete, simple suggestions and thorough treatment of the subject of this disease doctors still don't really understand.

Recently I ordered a copy for my aunt who suffers from Alzheimer's Disease. Since she lives alone, she doesn't remember receiving the copy or where it is. So, thanks to Amazon and the ease of ordering, I ordered her two more copies! She's looking forward to receiving one at least.

I think this book is now out of print as I've been ordering used copies. Too bad. The only thing about this book that needs updating might be the medications now being used or the newest research. Otherwise, this book is the best for the person who suffers from this disease and all of the effected care givers.

Best practical information for caretakers
I have been a caretaker for my spouse who has had dementia for 3 years.I have read many books and this is definitely the best.It is clearly written.It does not scream directions and diagnosis at you from but has a practical and compassionate tone that allows me to read without becoming stressed.It gives symptoms that I have seen first hand but hadn't read about in any other source.I highly recommend this book. ... Read more

Product Description

Alzheimer disease afflicts more than twelve million people worldwide, and its incidence is increasing at a staggering rate. People with the disorder are living longer than have those in previous generations, and they require interventions for quality-of-life issues associated with palliative care. However, the symptoms of Alzheimer disease often fail to place such persons into settings where palliative care resources are available to them. Indeed, clinicians and other caregivers may be unsure about what constitutes effective palliation in these cases. At the same time, the ethical issues involved in providing end-of-life care to persons with Alzheimer disease remain on the margins of mainstream bioethics.

In Ethical Foundations of Palliative Care for Alzheimer Disease, leading ethicists and clinicians from the United States and Europe explore ethical and scientific concerns about the diagnosis and prognosis of Alzheimer disease, challenges arising from applying palliative procedures to its symptoms, key philosophical and theological concepts central to our understanding of the disease and to end-of-life decisions, and the changing patterns of relevant medical, social, and economic policies. Cross-cultural, multidisciplinary, and state-of-the-art, this volume is a unique and important resource for bioethicists, clinicians, and policy makers everywhere.

Contributors: David A. Bennahum, M.D., University of New Mexico; Pierre Boitte, Ph.D., Catholic University of Lille, France; Roger A. Brumback, M.D., Creighton University Medical Center; Wim J. M. Dekkers, M.D., Ph.D., University Medical Centre Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Elizabeth Furlong, R.N., Ph.D., J.D., Creighton University Medical Center; Eugenijus Gefenas, M.D., Ph.D., Vilnius University, Lithuania; Bert Gordijn, Ph.D., University Medical Centre Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Amy M. Haddad, R.N., Ph.D., Creighton University Medical Center; Søren Holm, M.D., Ph.D., Dr.Med.Sci., University of Manchester; Franz J. Illhardt, D.D., Ph.D., Freiburg University; Rien Janssens, Ph.D., University Medical Centre Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Givi Javashvili, M.D., Ph.D., State Medical Academy of Georgia, Tbilisi; Judith Lee Kissell, Ph.D., Creighton University Medical Center; Gunilla Nordenram, D.D.S., Ph.D., Karolinska Institute, Stockholm; Richard L. O'Brien, M.D., Creighton University Medical Center; Marcel G. M. Olde Rikkert, M.D., Ph.D., University Medical Centre Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Winifred J. Ellenchild Pinch, R.N., Ed.D., Creighton University Medical Center; Patricio F. Reyes, M.D., Creighton University Medical Center; Anne-Sophie Rigaud, M.D., Ph.D., Hôpital Broca, Paris; Linda S. Scheirton, Ph.D., Creighton University Medical Center; Jos V. M. Welie, M.Med.S., J.D., Ph.D., Creighton University Medical Center.

Product Description
This story is about how Allie and her family learn to cope and adjust to everyday life when her grandmother is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. ... Read more

Product Description
At a time when the incidence of Alzheimer's Disease is increasing dramatically, this accessible account revolutionises our stereotypes of Alzheimer's patients and their care. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (1)

Good material for Medical Professionals
Dr Agronin provides a great deal of useful information. He is currently involved in clinical research andis running the Memory Center at the Jewish Hospital and Home for the Aged in Miami. The book would be a good tool for all medical professionals ... Read more

Product Description
Of the 5 million Americans who have Alzheimer's disease, 7 out of 10 live at home -- and most of their care is provided by family and friends. This helpful workbook for caregivers is divided into four sections:. * With easy-to-understand charts and sketches * Effective Communication Styles * Progressive Disease Stages * Tips for Each Stage * How Caregivers Can Care for Themselves. ... Read more

Product Description
When Carrie Knowles and her siblings learned that their mother was suffering from Alzheimer's, they joined more than 50 million other Americans who are providing long-term care to an Alzheimer's victim in their family. In The Last Childhood, Knowles presents the first realistic voice on what it's like to be in this position. She speaks frankly about the emotional toll the disease can have on caregivers, explains what to expect as the disease progresses through its stages, illustrates through her own experience the numerous decisions families must make along the way, and provides information on such
topics as:
Understanding the symptoms of Alzheimer's
Communicating effectively with the patient's doctor
Deciding who in your family will be the primary caregiver
Becoming a legal guardian for your ailing spouse or relative
Choosing an assisted living center
Letting go of negative feelings such as guilt and regret
Taking care of the caregiver

Written with compassion and empathy, and recognizing that the battle with Alzheimer's is never an easy one, The Last Childhood will leave you feeling comforted, enlightened, and hopeful. Whether you are a child, spouse, relative, or friend of a loved one suffering from Alzheimer's, whether you are the primary caregiver or not, this book will be an invaluable source of inspiration and support. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Good companion for Alzheimer's caregivers
This is a lovely book about a very difficult subject.The first sentence sets the tone:"Last night I dreamed my mother knew my name."It's honest and right to the point.It helps families of people with Alzheimer's cope with the shifting stages of the process.And it's a fine memoir, even if you're not looking for information about the disease. ... Read more

Product Description
In this sensitive and informative book, Eileen Shamy, a pioneer of ministry to people with Alzheimer's disease, discusses how pastoral work can help to develop holistic care for those suffering from dementia and related conditions - care which involves understanding of their spiritual as well as physical needs.

From her years of experience as a clergywoman working with older people in care settings, the author provides guidelines for pastoral visits to people with dementia, showing how to empathise with, understand and support individuals during a visit. She discusses what constitutes spiritual well-being in individuals and suggests ways in which this can be nurtured. Emphasising the importance of retaining dignity and freedom of choice for people with dementia, she also presents practical advice about memory cueing and leading worship for those with dementia.
This book is a useful resource for a variety of people involved in pastoral care with older people, whether professionals or volunteers, from a respected author in the field of psychogeriatric care. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Revelation and/or Inspiration
A friend had read this book and found it revelationary.It assisted her greatly in understanding the concepts and capturing the very real spiritual nature of people with any degree of dementia and need of this to be nurtured by well informed listeners, as it would be by people in the wider community.By the time I bought the book, I was lucky to have read quite widely and been taught both by academic and experiential learning styles.Shamy still provides inspiration and I loved reading every chapter.It affirms and validates the people we come into contact with - no hints of ageism - and provides a baseline for good practice and the benefits that can emanate from this. ... Read more

Product Description
An inspirational tale of one family'slove, devotion and faithWhen I arrived, I approached the figure in the wheelchair. I asked him who I was but my father-in-law did not recognize me. When I tried to help him, he became angry and violent. He tried to get out of his wheelchair and away from me. He yelled, "No! You are not taking me back to Germany! You are all Nazis! You are all trying to kill me." Dad won a Bronze Star Medal for his service during WWII. It took three of us to get him outside to the car. Dad had his fists to me, a growl on his face and threatened to kick me. Then the swearing began .This is a book about the daily trials and tribulations of taking care of a loved one with Alzheimer's Disease. In this Journal I share the feelings of confusion, frustration, and blessings I experienced during my ordeal. I wrote this Journal both for myself and with the hope that it might help others deal with similar situations. It's important for caretakers to know that they're not alone, that others have experienced the same frustrations. Sometimes a caretaker feels very isolated-the world, after all, doesn't stop, despite the sense that your world is frozen in time. I'm hoping that this book will offer comfort to those who find themselves in that world.In this Journal I record the little things I did, daily, to preserve my sanity and provide my father-in-law with as nearly a normal life as possible. It is a tale of thoughts, stories, anecdotes, as well as feelings of helplessness, guilt, happiness, and sorrow.If you feel as though you can and want to see your loved one through this awful disease, then this book will offer a helping hand. The Journal will also be of value to anyone who wants some idea of what to expect from a person suffering from Alzheimer's Disease. Finally, please remember that Alzheimer's affects different people in many different ways. This is my account of living with Alzheimer's. This publication includes testimonials from Maria's husband (Joe's son) and two of his grandchildren who shared Maria's home-care duties. Also features numerous photographs of family events, both in years past as well as during Joe's illness. This is a very touching, human story about families and how they deal with crises, emerging stronger and closer as a result of their misfortune. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Marie Fostino, married now for 33 years, is a mother of five and a grandmother of four. She believes that life is full of many challenges and lessons to be learned. She's held a variety of jobs over the years: fast foods employee, beautician, professional photographer, nursing home aide and paramedic. She's dealt with all kinds of people, young and old, but nothing prepared her for the loss of a loved one to Alzheimer's. Marie enjoys spending time with her family. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Support for Caregivers
Marie Fostino's book, Alzheimers, a Caretaker's Journal, is a welcome resource for anyone struggling to care for a family member with this heart wrenching disease.The most important aspect, beyond the practical day-to-day experiences shared, is the gift of knowing that you are not alone, that there are others out there who have lived, and are living, what you are going through.Thank you, Marie, for your gift!

When nothing but unconditional love will work
The thing I felt about the book was that it seemed to offer a positive outlook on something - a disease, the downfall of a loved one, the loss of an important connection between father and child -that seemingly had nothing positive to offer. Some of the situations were gut wrenching, and yet, Marie not only came through them, but has now become an inspiration to others who are going through it now. Thats an honorable and difficult task in the face of something so difficult. Reading of some of the situations faced by Marie and her family shows clearly that their journey was wrought with hardship, yet this guide will inspire even the most tireless caregiver to keep giving, keep striving, keep going forward in this thankless journey of giving back to the loved ones who once cared for you and others.

If you are looking for a gift to help an Alzheimer's caregiver, I recommend this book.

True Story for Real People Going Through Hard Times
As the title implies, Alzheimer's A Caretaker's Journal, is about dealing with a family member who has Alzheimer's. The book truly is a caretakers journal. There is little commentary from the author to cloud our opinion. Instead, we get to see into the personal lives of Jim and Marie as they take on the daunting task of caring for Jim's father, Joe. As Joe's dementia worsens, Marie rises to the call of a saint.

The passion of the author was noted throughout the book and my emotions were stirred as I read Marie's account of her time spent with Dad--a man who didn't even know her once he had progressed into the advanced stages of Alzheimer's. "Lady" is what he called his own daughter-in-law.

"Show, not tell" is what I often repeat to my authors when I am editing their books. Marie instinctively did this inAlzheimer's A Caretaker's Journal. She shows us who she is, what she is capable of, and how she managed day by day. Never once did she brag on herself. Using a chronological diary format, she showed us her human frailty and gave us a true picture of what it is like to watch a loved one's mental and physical demise.

I was especially touched that both of the author's daughters gave a short commentary about what it was like to live in the house with their grandfather in his impaired condition. The author's husband, Jim, also shared his thoughts. Therefore, we get to see how this disease affected the entire family. I hope I never have to go through something like this, but if I do, I pray I have the strength and wherewithal to endure and persevere the way Marie did.
Check out Marie's book website at [...].

Yvonne Perry
Author of More Than Meets The Eye True Stories About Death, Dying, and Afterlife

Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
I am the author of this book and I hope it has helped you as you are dealing with this disease. I would like to share a few reviews I have gotton on my web site.

DEAR SWEET MARIE, YOU ARE AN ANGEL. I THINK YOUR BOOK WILL HELP LOTS OF PEOPLE DEAL WITH THIS SITUATION.YOU HAVE A HEART OF GOLD AND IT SHOWS IN EVERY PAGE THAT YOU WROTE. I CAN'T SAY ENOUGH ABOUT YOU.
RICHARD SIMMONS


IT IS ALWAYS COMFORTING TO KNOW THAT YOU ARE NOT ALONE WAHEN GOING THROUGH A DIFFICULT TIME. MARIE SHRIVER


I VERY MUCH LIKE THE CASUAL AND COMFORTABLE TONE OF YOUR WRITING.CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR BOOK. IT WILL BE A NICE ADDITION TO OUR COLLECTION.MARY ANN URBASHICH-ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION GREEN-FIELD LIBRARY


MARIE YOUR WRITING CERTAINLY PAINTS A VIVID PICTURE, THE PHOTOS TURLY ENHANCE YOUR THOUGHTS AND ANECDOTES AND MAKE YOUR BOOK COME TO LIFE.
BOB DE LUNA, UNITED HOSPITAL FUND

Alzheimer's affects millions of families per year. I hope this book gives you an insight and that you are not alone.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino

Alzheimer's: A Caretaker's Journal by a Living Saint!
Alzheimer's: A Caretaker's Journal by Marie Fostino and published by Seabord Press in late 2007 is one of those rare family caregiver books written in real time. Unlike many caregiving books written as recollections of caregiving experiences from years ago, Fostino's book is fresh, compelling, vivid, and poignant. It accomplishes its aim in helping the caregiver know what to expect.

What a gift! Joe Fostino had a saint for a daughter-in-law! How else can one describe the heroic deeds simply told? The highs, the lows; the joys, the tears; the frustrations, even the anger; and the commitment--yes, the unwavering commitment of a loving mother of five who devotedly cared for her father-in-law in a manner unparalled during the past decade.

Alzheimer's: A Caretaker's Journal begins with a brief history of war hero Joe Fostino and features letters from Joe's son (the author's husband) and two of her five children. Fostino then opens her private journal for the benefit of caregivers, family members, and all who want to learn more about caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease.

If you're a caregiver or plan to be one, do yourself a favor, buy this book! If you know of a caregiver who could use a helping hand, give this book as a gift. If you are a professional, share copies of this book with your clients.

You will be warmly touched and heavenly inspired by the story of St. Marie Fostino, who juggled long work hours while lovingly tending to her father-in-law's day-to-day needs for two years until his final breath.

Reviewed at TheCaregiversVoice.com/blog on April 9, 2008

... Read more

Product Description
Reinforce the remaining strengths and abilities of people with dementia with this interactive, multisensory movement program. Developed by an experienced educator, "Movement with Meaning" uses activities that stimulate all five senses to enhance the well-being of older adults. Designed specifically to meet the needs of people with early-stage Alzheimer's disease, the program combines gentle dance movements, yoga-inspired poses, and breathing exercises with music, poetry, and specific sensory activities. Participants become focused in the present through total immersion in short, concentrated exercises that stimulate physical, mental, and sensory awareness. Individuals not only enjoy the engaging activities, but experience reduced tension, enhanced relaxation, improved balance and coordination, decreased disorientation, and increased social interaction

This detailed manual makes establishing a Movement with Meaning program easy at any facility. Step-by-step instructions for each activity are supported by more than 100 photographs. Additionally, four 30-minute sessions are described in detail. Along with suggested themes and activities, the manual supplies group leaders with valuable information about selecting participants and organizing the environment.

Movement with Meaning sessions can be customized for individual participants, making the program ideal for adult day centers, assisted living facilities, and long-term care settings. Recreational therapists, OTs, PTs, and activity directors will find this program invaluable for strengthening older adults' skills while also providing entertaining activities. Add Movement with Meaning to your therapeutic programming today and experience the benefits! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A complete and thorough introduction and survey of various activities and exercises for Alzheimer's patients
Movement With Meaning: A Multisensory Program For Individuals With Early-Stage Alzheimer's Disease by Barbara Larsen (Education and Family Consultant, Del Oro Caregiver Resource Center, California) offers a knowledgeable approach for non-specialist general readers to interactive, multisensory movement reinforcement programs for those digressively being effected by the onset of Alzheimer's disease. Providing a complete and thorough introduction and survey of various activities and exercises for Alzheimer's patients with the goal of reducing tension, enhancing relaxation, improving physical balance and coordination, decreasing disorientation, and increasing overall social interaction, Movement With Meaning deftly guides readers to a knowledgeable and expert understanding of a wide range of gentle dance movements, yoga-inspired poses, breathing exercises with music and poetry, and so much more. For its exclusive and "reader friendly" grasp of many ideal and helpful aides for the betterment of the recessive disease, Movement With Meaning is very highly recommended for all family members or health care providers supervising or coordinating the life and activities of those effected by Alzheimer's.

A complete and thorough introduction and survey of various activities and exercises for Alzheimer's patients
Movement With Meaning: A Multisensory Program For Individuals With Early-Stage Alzheimer's Disease by Barbara Larsen (Education and Family Consultant, Del Oro Caregiver Resource Center, California) offers a knowledgeable approach for non-specialist general readers to interactive, multisensory movement reinforcement programs for those digressively being effected by the onset of Alzheimer's disease. Providing a complete and thorough introduction and survey of various activities and exercises for Alzheimer's patients with the goal of reducing tension, enhancing relaxation, improving physical balance and coordination, decreasing disorientation, and increasing overall social interaction, Movement With Meaning deftly guides readers to a knowledgeable and expert understanding of a wide range of gentle dance movements, yoga-inspired poses, breathing exercises with music and poetry, and so much more. For its exclusive and "reader friendly" grasp of many ideal and helpful aides for the betterment of the recessive disease, Movement With Meaning is very highly recommended for all family members or health care providers supervising or coordinating the life and activities of those effected by Alzheimer's.
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Product Description
Please Take Me Home Before Dark provides inspiration, information, and support to family members and caring professionals of Alzheimer's patients (and other forms of dementia). Using a writing style that is warm, yet instructive; serious, though sometimes humorous; and highly personal, yet medically reliable, the authors share their mother's progression through Alzheimer's to benefit others facing the same situation. Although intensely personal, the book also magnifies meanings and provides practical help. Each chapter includes a sensitive, poetic introduction; an empathetic and informative description of the Alzheimer's process; poignant personal illustrations; and at-a-glance sections to help readers map the patient's journey and provide loving care with hope and confidence. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Effective Caring
Two sisters, lovingly and effectively caring for their mother, have provided a vast storehouse of guidelines in 82 pages. From the resources to the "Caregiving Caplets" the changes they saw in their mother are invaluable for others with Alzheimer's. This is a hour by hour account, full of honesty, searching, and committment... a major contribution to the field.

Practical, Heartwarming Help for Families and Caregivers of Alzheimer's Patients
"What do I do now?" is often the painful question posed by families and caregivers faced with the evidence of a decline in the mental, emotional and physcial capacity of a loved one. The deeply inspiring telling of the story of this family will help others find ways to answer that question. It is beautifully written with a sensitive understanding of a mother slowing losing herself to a dreaded disease. The Caregiving Caplets provide easily understood suggestions for coping with the disease while attempting to maintain the dignity of the loved one. I highly recommend this practical and heartwarming book!

Tools for Alzheimer's Caregivers
Three tools in the book prepare Alzheimer's caregivers for their own difficult journey.(1)The poetry demonstrates a prepared family's plan to adapt to specific patient changes.(2)The comprehensive lists of expected patient changes and (3) the matching lists of needed caregiver adaptations guide families in developing their own response plan.I have been close to three families while they made the long Alzheimer's journey.I recall how they were surprised when they encountered the patient changes described in this book.I also recall their frustrations in dealing with those changes.Knowing beforehand what to expect prepares caregivers to plan their own responses rather than reacting out of raw feelings. I bought a copy to give to a family beginning the journey.

A MUST read for everyone, with or without Alzheimer patients
Many folks don't have an understanding of how to preserve the dignity of their loved one in this condition.The many suggestions in this book provide that understanding.The poetry in each chapter makes such a sensitive, caring response to the Alzheimer's patient.The book is full of depth, insight, and understanding - said in simple and practical ways!

Please Take Me Home Before Dark
An outstanding true story of a loving family whose mother suffered with
Alzheimer's disease.Daughters tell of many difficult situations as well as tender moments they shared with their mother. Caregiving Caplets give practical hints that will help others as they relate to someone with this disease.I immediately ordered five copies to share with family members and friends who are coping with victims of Alzheimer's.MLH ... Read more

Product Description
Five years ago, Andrea Gillies— writer, wife, and mother of three—seeing that her husband's parents were struggling to cope, invited them to move in.  She and her newly extended family relocated to a big Victorian house on a remote, windswept peninsula in the far north of Scotland, leaving behind their friends and all that was familiar;  hoping to find a new life, and new inspiration for work.

Her mother-in-law Nancy was in the middle stages of Alzheimer's Disease, and Keeper charts her journey into dementia, its impact on her personality and her family, and the author's researches into what dementia is.   As the grip of her disease tightens, Nancy's grasp on everything we think of as ordinary unravels before our eyes. Diary entries and accounts of conversations with Nancy track the slow unravelling.  The journey is marked by frustration, isolation, exhaustion, and unexpected black comedy. For the author, who knew little about dementia at the outset, the learning curve was steeper than she could have imagined. The most pernicious quality of Alzheimer’s, Gillies suggests, is that the loss of memory is, in effect, the loss of one’s self, and Alzheimer’s, because it robs us of our intrinsic self-knowledge, our ability to connect with others, and our capacity for self-expression, is perhaps the most terrible and most dehumanizing illness. Moreover, as Gillies reminds us, the effects of Alzheimer’s are far-reaching, impacting the lives of caregivers and their loved ones in every way imaginable.

Keeper is a fiercely honest “glimpse into the dementia abyss”—an endlessly engrossing meditation on memory and the mind, on family, and on a society that is largely indifferent to the far-reaching ravages of this baffling disease. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Well written honest account of caregiving
As a social worker who works with older adults, I have a lot of knowledge on the topic of Alzheimers.But to hear the honest account from a caregiver dealing with the day to day hardships, chaos and unwanted surprises that Alzheimers can create was educational.Sometimes humorous, sometimes heart wrenching, always beautifully written and honest, this is a great read for all professionals working in the older adult field.

Cathartic Dementia story for Caregivers
I LOVED this book.My father died with Lewey-Body Dementia and my Mother is now in an ALF due to dementia issues.Andrea Gillies is an exceptional writer and conveys this disease with humor, love, and best of all - medical and scientific information on a layman's level.Mrs. Gillies truly loves her mother-in-law, Nancy, and was very devoted to her well-being through thick and thin.As she describes the stages and minute-by-minute behavior of Nancy, she provides detailed but understandable information of exactly what is going on in the brain and why it effects the behavior of the sufferer.Mrs. Gillies also sees and conveys the humor of some of Nancy's behavior - while I am sure, that at the moment it occured it was not funny at all - in hindsight, and with talented writing, she is able to convey that humor.I recall many moments of my Dad's behavior that was funny, and he would laugh right along with me.Mrs. Gillies also speaks to the health care issues our governments are facing and the high cost of nursing home care.Anyone with a family member suffering from dementia or Alzheimer's should read this book as well as anyone who has a friend "suffering" as a caregiver.It is a fast read due to her wonderful presentation.And, the last chapter is the best part - it leaves the caregiver at least comfortable and at most, not guilty for leaving their loved one to a skilled nursing home where they will actually live an easier life.

An insight
Andrea,

Thank you for writing this. Before my mother went through this my idea of Alzheimer consisted of becoming forgetful, then sweetly ditzy, and fading away.

I was wrong. I had no idea what it feels like when your mother doesn't know who are. No one told me about the verbal abuse or physical violence. It takes a while to understand that it is the disease,not the person.

Tom D.
Atlanta

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Product Description

Recent advances in genetics and brain biochemistry point to the Abeta peptide as the major culprit in causing neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). This book summarizes current knowledge of the Abeta peptide and its role in AD. Written by specialists in this fast moving area, the book covers fundamental biochemical studies on this peptide, the genetic impact on Abeta expression and processing, and various AD therapeutic strategies that target Abeta.

Product Description
BROKEN CIRCUITS tells theheart-warming story of four adult children who have lost their connections, notonly to each other, but to a once-powerful father who is now losing his battlewith Alzheimer's Disease. While many books have beenwritten about Alzheimer's disease and dementia, few have attempted to showindividual differences in family members who cope with its eventualdevastation. The oldest child, Marilyn, a psychologist and professor, is theprimary narrator, who attempts to draw her brother and two sisters back to thefamily home; Nancy, her sister, is aUtah mother of seven, who must overcome her anger at her father's ridicule andrejection in order to care for him; Judy, her second sister, is a Texas mother of four, who avoids herparents' demands and covers her guilt with work and food; her brother, Dennis, the father of two, disappears into alcohol and regret over his years ofsacrifice to his father's business; and finally, there is Vivian. the Mormonmother, who denies the catastrophe of her husband's illness and rejects herchildren's offers of assistance; Finally, each of the family members finds away to confront the past and move forward to become a stronger and more lovingfamily. Through reading their experiences, the reader will gain newperspectives on the power of family bonds and loyalty. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

LOOKING AT ALZHEIMER'S AS A CAREGIVER
"Old Timers" should be on the suggested reading list for anyone seeking information about Alzheimer's disease and all of its ramifications for the family of the victim. NO ONE knows like someone who had been there and that is certainly Jack Turley. It is an easy read that pulls at the heart strings.

A Shared Journey
I received a copy of Mr. Turley's book from my cousin.It was sent to me since my mother is on her journey into dementia.Even though she has not been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, many of her symptoms are similar.At the time I read Mr. Turley's book, I was feeling very isolated, confused and frustrated.I did not need a factual rendition of what I was facing.I needed a personal connection.After reading Mr. Turley's book, I no longer felt as if I was the only person dealing with the overwhelming emotions associated with watching a loved one sink into dementia.My feelings of guilt were greatly alleviated, just by sharing what Mr. Turley had gone through.I found many of the decisions he had to make were similar to ones I was in the process of having to make.I also appreciated having a book that was honest, straightforward and did not hedge on the turmoil involved with the caregiver.What I appreciated most, was his underlying theme that his life continued but with the added burdens.That is the most important message one can send.Those of us that have to stand and watch still have to continue with what we do.We cannot become consumed with our loved ones decline.That is also the hardest aspect of dementia with which to deal.

YES! He REALLY understands!
OLD TIMERS is a compelling story, brutally honest, written with occasional humor and dedicated love.I found I consistently nodded my head in agreement and thought, "YES! He REALLY understands!"I sent OLD TIMERS to my cousin.She is going through absolute misery with her mother who lives in a different state and has Alzheimer's Disease.My cousin was depressed and didn't want to read the book.Having just returned from a visit, she was VERY tired and "had ENOUGH of the subject."But, she DID read it and called to say that OLD TIMERS helped her so very much.She found out that others had problems and feelings similar to hers.Now my cousin does not feel so alone when she is dealing with difficult decisions and tender feelings.I highly recommend OLD TIMERS for church and community support discussion groups.

A highly articulate personal commentary
Mr. Turley's superlative accounting of his mother's "One way journey into darkness" has struck a nerve. For I too watched as my own father left us as the result of this dreaded disease called Alzheimer's. Excellent informative reading.

Straight Forward-How It Is Approach To Alzheimer's
Jack Turley shared journey through heart felt intimate moments answered many questions and lessons in approaching the position of being a careprovider to a family member with alzheimer's.The sharing of his beloved mother suffering through many challenging issues and choices was extremely impactful to me being a careprovider for my parents and a psychoanalytic-dynamic psycotherapist in Los Angeles.I have recommended this book to my friends and clients and have received nothing but outstanding comments and a Warm-Thank You.This book contributions tremendously to the humanistic understanding of Alzheimer. ... Read more

Product Description
A memoir of a daughter, her parents and the Beast named - Alzheimer's: A story of Life, Love and Death, Deborah Ann Tornillo chronicles the time spent taking care of her mother and father, both of whom were diagnosed with Alzheimer's in February 2006.

"I didn't know when I would tell this story, I just knew I would," Tornillo writes. "Both my mother and father had Alzheimer's; my Mom was further along in the disease process than my Dad. It was an incredible journey spending the last year and a half of their life with them, slowly watching the disease take its toll."

36 Days Apart recounts this painful, enlightening journey, and Tornillo writes candidly about the struggles and fears she faced as her parents' caregiver. When the diagnosis came in 2006, Tornillo bravely faced the reality that she would need to take care of them full-time. At first, this entailed monthly flights back and forth to her home state, but it quickly became apparent that the Alzheimer's was progressing in both parents much more quickly than first anticipated.

As their disease progressed, Tornillo was faced with the difficult task of learning how to be a parent to her own parents. Through the year and a half of caring for them she extensively researched Alzheimer's in order to provide the best care possible, all the while knowing that the disease would eventually win in the end. She found herself saying goodbye to her father first, but little did she know that her mother would pass away just 36 days later.

36 Days Apart gives an honest, unflinching look at the realities of caring for and losing loved ones to Alzheimer's. Tornillo gives the reader an inside look into the day-to-day life she faced during her heartbreaking, difficult time. "The two most important things I learned from my parents as we traveled this road together was how to stay strong in faith and never lose compassion for others or myself," she writes. "I was blessed to have learned from them their wisdom of life and death. I have faith that as you read my parent's story you will gain the strength and wisdom needed to guide you." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Brenda's Review
This is a very well written book and I couldn't put it down until I finished the whole thing. Very informative about parents, or anyone with Alzheimer's.

Life's A Full Circle
As the author of "36 Days Apart" and sole caregiver to my mother and father whom were both diagnosed with Alzheimer's and later passed only 36 days apart of each other it is important for me to honor them by donating a percentage of my net proceeds of the sale of my book to The Alzheimer's Association in hope to find a cure.

DEBORAH'SMEMOIR
There are many good books out there to read on Alzheimer's. The situations are different for everyone involved. I just picked up a book called 36 DAYS APART BY DEBORAH ANN TORNILLO. In this book she lives in Virgina and her parents live in Texas. She starts by telling us about her phone call from her sister in Feb. 2006 stating that on her visits with mom and dad on Sundays, something didn't seem right. She started noticing little things first like the house was a little messier than usual, no food in the refrigerator, and that their appearance was being neglected. This was hard for Deborah to imagine so she boarded a plane to see for herself.

This started a new change of events. She started on her conquest of searching for answers. Thank heavens for the Internet, and all the information she was able to obtain. In her story she watched with each visit how her parents digressed. She took control of their health affairs, finances, and living arrangements. She became the parent, still trying to let them think they were in charge.

She convinced them to move closer to her, so she could take care of them better,by first moving into an apartment in Virgina. After her mom wondered off one evening she found them an Assisted Living Faculty to live in. As the Alzheimer's disease got worse, they had to be moved to a place that was better equipped in taking care of her parents.

As we read this memoir, we can feel the emotions going through Debbie as she is trying to care for her parents. Her dad who is her 'rock' had a stroke first. His health failed him and with her assurance that mom would be taken care of he went on to be with the Lord. Than 36 days later, her mom followed him. But her mom was able to look at Debbie and say I LOVE YOU, before she passed on.

If you are going through this situation, and have your loved one in a nursing faculty, you may want to read this book and get some in site from Debbie. You can feel her strenght,love, and sadness.


MARIE FOSTINO
AUTHOR: ALZHEIMER'S A CARETAKERS JOURNAL
[...]

Great Read
This book is for anybody who is a caregiver for a loved one with Alzheimers. Even if you don't know anybody with this insidious disease, this is a heartfelt, loving read. I highly recommend it.

An Awsome Read
I really enjoyed this book..I set out to start this book one night and once I got started I could not put it down. This book makes u cry, laugh but helps u understand the meaning of a lot of things. Debbie really knew how to capture the reader and help u understand the true demons within this horrible illness. I truly believe Alzheimer"s is the cruelest because when we grow older and all we have left is our memories, it steals that from u. This book also made me realize how blessed I was as a child for the wonderful parents I had,and thank u Debbie for reminding me of that..You have a gift Debbie, I hope u continue to use it...Do yourself a favor and read this book..You will be blessed by it. ... Read more

Product Description
Alzheimer's disease can be thought of as a multi-faceted neuropsychological disorder, with diverse impairments in cognitive abilities, such as attention, memory, language and executive functioning. Over the last decade cognitive neuropsychology has provided a far richer understanding of these impairments, and this book describes these advances, placing them in their clinical context. The first section deals with background theoretical and clinical issues, such as the extent to which Alzheimer's disease can be considered as a single entity or whether it is more fruitful to explore the neuropsychology of individual patients. It considers the diagnostic aspects of Alzheimer's disease, the natural history of the disease, how it progresses over time and the characteristics of the prodromal phase.A second section, the core of the book, covers major cognitive functions and delineates how ... Read more

Product Description
As the essays in this volume show, conceptualizing dementia has always been acomplex process. With contributions from noted professionals in psychiatry, neurology,molecular biology, sociology, history, ethics, and health policy, Concepts of AlzheimerDisease looks at the ways in which Alzheimer disease has been defined in various historicaland cultural contexts.

The book covers every major development in the field, from the first case described by AloisAlzheimer in 1907 through groundbreaking work on the genetics of the disease. Essays examinenot only the prominent role that biomedical and clinical researchers have played in definingAlzheimer disease, but also the ways in which the perspectives of patients, their caregivers, andthe broader public have shaped concepts. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Exceptional book; history and modern state of Alzhiemer's
This is an extraordinary book. The title should be taken literally: "Concepts" of Alzheimer's disease, and from a broad range of fields, including historical, genetic, scientific, sociologic, andphilosophic viewpoints on the illness. The book is particularly timely,covering new discoveries about the origins of AD (very recently, scientistshave reviewed Alzheimer's now-rediscovered microscope slides and evenperformed DNA tests on them), the history of genetics and psychiatryrelative to AD, and the current politico-economic climate, such as the"current history"(1975-2000)of the growing AlzhiemerAssociation and the National Institute of Aging at NIH. The book is incollected-essay format and the authors are world experts in their fields.It is likely that, while most interested readers will have a backgroundinone niche (such as psychology of AD), they will also be exposed to broadperspectives on AD which are intriguing and new(such as the differencebetween AD and normal "aging" or "senescence", or the"philosophy" of lab research developed by Fleck and Latour, orthe way different kinds of focused and broad interest groups now shapeCongressional policy).Alzheimer's is intrinsically complex, so the bookis not a light read, but it I found it generally quite well writtenthroughout. A sophisticated general reader can enjoy the book, because itis well written, but the main audience is probably those with somebiomedical affiliation (from public health to medical sociologists toAlzheimer researchers).Many of the authors are European and most of theperspective is international; however, several of the chapters focus on USpolicy and US medical history. ... Read more