Reference Books:

Alzheimer’s from the Inside Out – Richard Taylor

(Jill’s Opinion) – A great book, written by a doctor who has the disease. A very intense look at the real feelings of person with the disease, from his own perspective, written in a journal format.

The Best Friends Book of Activities Volumes One & Two – Virginia Bell, David Troxell, Tonya Cox, Robin Hamon

(Jill’s Opinion) Excellent books with hundreds of ideas for daily activities to keep a person with dementia engaged.

 The Hedge People – Louise Carey

(Jill’s Opinion) One of my favorite books! A true story of two missionaries who return home to the United States from their mission trip to Africa to care for Louise’s husband’s father, who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. It is a genuinely funny and honest look at the disease. Louise shares a caregiver’s prayer at the end of each chapter that will melt your heart.

Alzheimer’s (Dementia & Memory Loss, Straight Talk for Families & Caregivers – Monica Vest Wheeler)

(Jill’s Opinion) A terrific book for families that shoots straight from the heart. It covers denial, deepest thoughts from caregivers and people with the diseases. It explores acceptance of the disease, how to talk about it, adapting to new realities, cherishing special moments and talking with professionals. Monica looks at hard questions, and talks about how people with the disease and those closest to them mask the disease until something happens; therefore trouble begins when other family members notice behaviors or symptoms and feel no one believes them. It is a super easy book to read and follow for families. Put down The 36 Hour Day, which is confusing and out of order after many edits, and is way too hard to read, and pick up this book!

Alzheimer’s – A Caregiver’s Guide & Resource Book – Howard Gruetzner

(Jill’s Opinion) – A wonderful book for the academic mind; a very clinical read which helps you learn about the anatomy of the brain, Alzheimer’s disease, medications and their effects and more. Not an easy book to read.

Alzheimer’s Early Stages First Steps for Families, Friends and Caregiver’s – Daniel Kuhn

(Jill’s Opinion) A great overall book that walks you through the beginning stages and what to expect.

The Validation Breakthrough – Naomi Feil

(Jill’s Opinion) One of the best books out there for people who are trying to communicate with someone living with dementia who is non-verbal.

What If It’s Not Alzheimer’s – Lisa Radin & Gary Radin

(Jill’s Opinion) An excellent book that explains and contains vital information on many different types of dementia including Frontal Temporal, Lewy Body, Vascular and others.

Dancing with Rose – Lauren Kessler

(Jill’s Opinion) Another great book and one of my favorites! A true story of a New York journalist who goes on a mission to uncover the real world of nursing homes after her mom dies of Alzheimer’s. After serious regrets from her relationship with her mother, she wants to give back to society. In the process she befriends a patient named Rose, whom no one visits and is generally a disheveled and unruly resident.

Speaking Our Minds, What it’s Like to Have Alzheimer’s– Lisa Snyder

(Jill’s Opinion) Lisa wrote a very thoughtful book on the effects of the disease.

Learning to Speak Alzheimer’s A Groundbreaking Approach for Everyone Dealing with the Disease – Joanne Koenig Coste

(Jill’s Opinion) A well written book that is lengthy and involved. Read slowly to soak it in. A straight talk with open language that is sometimes distressing to read.

Mom Are You There?– Kathleen Negri

(Jill’s Opinion) A peaceful, positive approach to caring for a loved one who has dementia. Not a clinical read.

Memories of the Heart – Mary Ellen Geist

(Jill’s Opinion) A lovely book about Mary Ellen’s father and his journey through love, loss and validation theory, which allow him to sing with his quartet long after he has forgotten his life and family.

For Updates on the latest RESEARCH visit Rocky Mountain Alzheimer’s Disease Center Department of Neurology and Linda Crnic Institute for Down’s Syndrome:

For immediate help contact the Alzheimer’s Association Helpline (24/7) 1-800-272-3900