It’s been a bumper year for Alzheimer’s literature, which makes it hard (and sometimes boring) to decide what’s worth reading and what isn’t.
So we’ve done the work of trolling the bookstore shelves for you.
Whether you’re looking for inspiration, camaraderie or practical tips, these reads have got you covered. Check out the list below to see Alzlive’s top book picks for 2014.
NON FICTION:
Mama is Still Here! A Mother and Son’s Love Passage Through Alzheimer’s Disease With Daily Prayers and Devotionals
114 pages
Norris Lee Roberts Jr.
“She was beautiful, Hollywood looks. That’s why it’s heartbreaking: because no one wants to see Cinderella with Alzheimer’s.”
The true story of an educated and accomplished African-American woman, Daisy Dorothy Roberts, who was raised in the state of Mississippi during segregation. Her Alzheimer’s diagnosis in 2008 led her son Dr. Norris Lee Roberts Jr. to write this inspirational tribute. Okay, this book was published in 2013, but we missed it, and we love it.
Alzheimer’s—What They Forget to Tell You: A Personal Journey
136 pages
Caron Leid
March 2014
Caron Leid grew up in the west end of Trinidad & Tobago with her parents, and moved around till settling in Brampton, Ont. When her mother, 57, came to help with her grandson Jaelon, Caron discovered she had Alzheimer’s disease; her father passed away 14 months later. “I began writing about my experiences with this disease and the resources I found along the way, it was a cathartic process for me. I believe strongly in the pay it forward principle.” Sweet, moving memoir, complete with resources.
Chicken Soup for the Soul: Living with Alzheimer’s & Other Dementias: 101 Stories of Caregiving, Coping, and Compassion
400 pages
Amy Newmark and Angela Timashenka Geiger
April 2014
Developed in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association, this collection brings together 101 essays, stories and poems from people who have been there. Some are caregivers, some are friends, and some have dementia themselves. Authors include Linda Rose Etter, Amy Merrill, Joanne L. Lord and Susan Hannah.
When Caring Takes Courage: A Compassionate, Interactive Guide for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregivers
244 pages
Mara Botonis
May 2014
Healthcare pros and countless families coping with Alzheimer’s Disease share hundreds of tips, techniques and Alzheimer’s-adapted activities in this new commonsense caregiver’s companion. Topics include everyday challenges such as bathing, toileting, managing medications, and dealing with difficult behaviors as well as communicating with healthcare professionals, finding affordable care options, and adapting recreational activities.
A Pocket Guide for the Alzheimer’s Caregiver
200 pages
Daniel C. Potts. M.D., Ellen Woodward Potts
June 2014
Neurologist Daniel C. Potts champions life-affirming care for those with Alzheimer’s disease/dementia and their caregivers. On staff at Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center, Dr. Potts is also Founder and President of Cognitive Dynamics Foundation and Medical Director at Dementia Dynamics, LLC. Dr. Potts channels hope gained through his experience as a caregiver for his father, Lester, who became an acclaimed watercolor artist in the throes of Alzheimer’s disease. This book is packed with practical advice about how to deal with hallucinations, false accusations, dealing with difficult family members and end of life care.
Martin and Me: My Life on Hold
80 pages
Anne Louise Larpnel
July 2014
As Larpnel describes herself: “I am simply a housewife and senior with a lot of common sense.” Her slight but incredibly useful, easy-to-read book, a mix of memoir and how-to, reflects that sentiment. In Martin and Me, the author shares what she learned during the 17 years she cared for her husband. It’s like having a wonderful caring aunt guide you. The book showcases how homecare for a husband with dementia is about love, devotion, patience, and understanding.
About the author