Alzheimer’s disease affects millions of people. But where do you start when a loved one is diagnosed, or you want to start learning more about the disease? There is plenty of information available to help answer common questions. To get your feet wet in the information pool, we’ve put together a list of 5 books about Alzheimer’s disease.
- Learning to Speak Alzheimer’s by Joanne Koenig Coste. This classic book is ideal for Alzheimer’s caregivers who are learning to navigate the challenges of the disease with their care recipient. Coste guides the reader through the different stages of Alzheimer’s and provides some practical tips for how to approach the care management of someone diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
- Memory Makeover by Dr. Wes Youngberg. If you are interested in learning more about the science behind lifestyle changes to slow cognitive decline, this is the book for you. Thankfully, you do not need a medical degree to follow along because the explanations are clear and thorough. Dr. Youngberg uses the testimonials of his past patients as practical examples of the science behind a healthy lifestyle and reducing cognitive decline.
- Keeping Love Alive as the Memories Fade by Dr. Gary Chapman. This is another gem for caregivers of loved one with Alzheimer’s. This book is similar to Learning to Speak Alzheimer’s except it focuses more on the relationship and emotional connections between a family caregiver and their loved one. Chapman presents ways to address relationship dynamics, as a result of an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, through the lens of the five love languages.
- Before I Forget by B. Smith & Dan Gasby. Husband, Dan, and wife, B, co-authored this powerful piece in the midst of B’s diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer’s. They tell their journey from young love to chronic illness with full transparency. Along the way they educate the reader about the landscape of Alzheimer’s disease today and how important Alzheimer’s research has been to their journey.
- The 36 Hour Day by Nancy Mace & Dr. P. Rabins. Over several rewrites and special editions, this 40-year bestseller has guided Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers through all of life’s twists and turns. Because of its range of topics this book is not only for caregivers, but also for anyone who wants clear, jargon-free educational insight on Alzheimer’s disease.