More than four million Americans suffer from Alzheimer's, and as many as twenty million have close relatives or friends with the disease. Revolutionizing the way we perceive and live with Alzheimer's, Joanne Koenig Coste offers a practical approach to the emotional well-being of both patients and caregivers that emphasizes relating to patients in their own reality. Her accessible and comprehensive method, which she calls habilitation, works to enhance communication between carepartners and patients and has proven successful with thousands of people living with dementia. Learning to Speak Alzheimer's also offers hundreds of practical tips, including how to
· cope with the diagnosis and adjust to the disease's progression
· help the patient talk about the illness
· face the issue of driving
· make meals and bath times as pleasant as possible
· adjust room design for the patient's comfort
· deal with wandering, paranoia, and aggression
Author: Joanne Koenig Coste
Publisher: Mariner Books
Customer Reviews
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What a lifesaver!
This book was more than I could know to ask for. I was besides myself trying to figure out how to deal with my mother and here I learned not just that Alzheimer's is more than not remembering, but that the patient could be helped by altering her environment and learning to understand their language, so to speak. I am less stressed and more understanding, and so my mother is less stressed and happier. The author shares with us exactly how this disease affects perception, understanding, and self-esteem, gives methods of reducing confusion and fear all with plenty of examples, gives advice and tips on finding outside help, and lists resources. Perhaps best of all, she approaches this whole subject with compassion and understanding bourne of personal experience with a loved one. Her short poems at the beginning of each chapter are like teardrops, glistening beauty and sadness.
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A must read
I purchased this book after it was recommended by a friend. It is definitely helpful for anyone who knows, lives with, or takes care of someone living with Alzheimer's.
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A Must Read
This is a must read for anyone with friends or family suffering from Alzheimer's Disease or other dementia, whether or not you are a care-giver. Enables understanding of this dreaded disease, and communication with those who suffer it. You will be wiser and more compassionate after reading it.
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Learning to Speak Alzheimer's
Wonderful book! Balanced, informative, so very helpful. As a caregiver, it gave me what I needed to keep peace and joy in my husband's life.
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