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New to this and Helpful books

I am wondering if this group has a reading list of helpful resources for those living with dementia and care partners. If not, I'd like to start one. My husband was recently diagnosed with Parkinson's . The initial diagnosis also included Alzheimer's. He was on medication for several weeks for both until further testing showed the cognitive changes were due to Parkinson's. Fortunately, at this stage, the Parkinson's medication has made a significant difference on the physical aspects. I am a big reader. A fiction book I found very helpful was "When Lemons Give You Life" by Anna Johnston. It creatively pointed out the importance of healthy, tasty food for all living with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. Food is a powerful source of memories and simply joys. A non-fiction book I found incredibly helpful is "Looking Past Dementia: Learning from Those Who Live with It" by Marysue Moses. I happened to read these two books back to back . "Looking Past Dementia" is a compassionate view into the power of connections and relationships with those living with dementia. The writer does a great job of simply weaving research in with tender examples of those living with it. Her examples of effective communication helped me a lot with my husbands loss of his same ability to tell stories . He was known for creatively augmenting his stories and now he gets lost trying to get through them. Her book reminded me, in so many ways, of the importance of meeting people where they are at - or, "crossing to their side of the street." And, of seeing the possibilities in everyone, well beyond the challenges. I find I am telling everyone about both of these books I suppose with the fiction one because I love cooking and believe in the power of food and for the non-fiction one because of the help it gave me personally and the hope it gave me that care could be more humanely transformed for those living with various forms of dementia. I should add that Moses's book speaks to the power of the arts, theater, to engage people even if they don't remember the experience for long. I too am a big believer in such activities.

Comments

  • Michele P
    Michele P Member Posts: 549
    500 Comments 250 Likes 250 Insightfuls Reactions 25 Care Reactions
    Member

    The 36 Hour Day is an excellent book that is highly recommended by people on this site.

  • SusanB-dil
    SusanB-dil Member Posts: 967
    Fifth Anniversary 1000 Comments 250 Likes 100 Insightfuls Reactions
    Member

    Hello and welcome -

    I've brought the book list to the top once again, as it is so helpful.

    and yes - 'The 36 Hour Day' is helpful. Also Teepa Snow and Tam Cummings videos.

  • terei
    terei Member Posts: 976
    Ninth Anniversary 500 Likes 250 Insightfuls Reactions 500 Comments
    Member

    For alll end of life questions: Being Mortal

Commonly Used Abbreviations


DH = Dear Husband
DW= Dear Wife, Darling Wife
LO = Loved One
ES = Early Stage
EO = Early Onset
FTD = Frontotemporal Dementia
VD = Vascular Dementia
MC = Memory Care
AL = Assisted Living
POA = Power of Attorney
Read more