It’s challenging to know what to do when a parent is diagnosed with dementia. Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia can change the relationship you have with your loved one. The best books on dementia can help you to rediscover that relationship. They can act as great sources of inspiration and provide you with knowledge of what to expect after a diagnosis. They can even educate you on the best ways to handle complicated dementia symptoms like aggression, malnutrition, or wandering.
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Additionally, many caregivers experience stress and other health problems. Dementia caregivers face higher risks for chronic health issues such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease, as noted in the journal Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience. So, it’s important to become as informed as possible to best support yourself and your loved one throughout the dementia-caregiving journey. The more informed you are as a caregiver, the less likely stress will arise during difficult situations.
Use these books as a starting point into the wealth of information available on dementia so that you can best prepare for what the future may hold.
In this article:
This guide, first published in 1981, has remained a staple for caregivers over the years. Learn about support groups, types of care, choosing a memory care facility, and devices to keep your loved one safe.
Engage with your loved one in their own reality using the tips in this book. The author calls this person-centered method habilitation and shows you how to use it to improve communication with your loved one.
This book offers success-oriented tips to engage with your parent. Learn the best way to set up a task ahead of time and how to determine your parent’s skill level. Types of activities covered in the book include personal care tasks, mobility, socialization, and more.
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This collection of essays covers topics ranging from coping strategies, the caregiving journey, grandchildren and spouse experiences, and humor. With each essay only a few pages long, you can easily take comfort in the stories of people who are living through the same thing you are.
This book offers hope and a new perspective on identity after a dementia diagnosis. Dementia affects a person’s identity, but this book reminds caregivers and their loved ones that the diagnosis doesn’t define them.
Dementia can make it difficult to plan a wonderful day with your loved one. This book about dementia advocates for taking some of that pressure away and living moment to moment to help our loved ones feel joy. Humor, empathy, and practical advice keep this an engaging read.
This quick read provides key nutritional information to help you slow the progression of memory loss in your loved one. It also contains helpful tips for seniors who have trouble maintaining a nutritious diet, as eating becomes more difficult with dementia.
This book offers nutritious and healthy meal options to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s. Plus, recipes are quick and easy to prepare.
This science-backed cookbook features recipes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as snacks and desserts. With 140 recipes and a 28-day meal plan, it’s easy to get your loved one to eat brain-boosting foods.
This easy-to-read, scan-friendly book about dementia makes it easy to find the topic you’re looking for. Learn why your relative feels compelled to wander or displays personality changes, and how to help them during these situations.
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Many people caring for a loved one with memory loss have no formal training. This book is geared towards them and includes tips for avoiding disruptive and aggressive behaviors.
Learn about your loved one’s emotional needs to mitigate outbursts and difficult behavior. This book helps caregivers understand where their loved one is coming from and suggests an empathetic approach to caregiving.
Read related article:What is the Sandwich Generation? Unique Stress and Responsibilities for Caregivers Between Generations
While dementia books for caregivers can be useful sources of inspiration, knowledge, and education, you may come to need additional help as your loved one’s disease progresses.
Consider joining a caregiver support group, utilizing respite care services, or even seeking out long-term memory care. If you’re interested in care support, reach out to the Senior Living Advisors at A Place for Mom. These experts can assist you in finding a range of local senior living and in-home care options for your loved one, all at no cost to you.
Sources
Brodaty, H., & Donkin, M. (2022, April 1). Family caregivers of people with dementia. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience.
The information contained in this article is for informational purposes only and the books selected and described in the article are based on the research findings and opinions of the author. None of the contents are intended to constitute medical, legal, or financial advice or to create a professional relationship between A Place for Mom and the reader. Always seek the advice of your health care provider, attorney or financial advisor with respect to any particular matter, and do not act or refrain from acting on the basis of anything you have read on this site. Links to third-party websites are only for the convenience of the reader; A Place for Mom does not endorse the contents of the third-party sites.
Best comprehensive dementia books for caregivers
The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical, legal or financial advice or create a professional relationship between A Place for Mom and the reader. Always seek the advice of your health care provider, attorney or financial advisor with respect to any particular matter, and do not act or refrain from acting on the basis of anything you have read on this site. Links to third-party websites are only for the convenience of the reader; A Place for Mom does not endorse the contents of the third-party sites.
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