I believe in being informed. I've been doing some reading on Alzheimer's over the last several months.
100 Questions & Answers About Alzheimer's Disease
by
Thomas M. Wisniewski, MD and Marcin Sadowskim, MD, PhD
This book is pretty factual about how the disease occurs, and tests they can do to try and nail down whether a patient really has Alzheimer's. It also includes behavioral expectations, progression of the disease, and some suggestions on how best to deal with the disease as a care giver. It was a good way to gather over all information - a great place to start in my quest for knowledge.
The 36-Hour Day
by
Nancy L. Mace, MA and Peter V. Rabins, MD, MPH
I have not yet finished this book. I read it in fits and starts. It is a great practical application book - it really deals with the day to day nuts and bolts of living with Alzheimer's, both as a patient and care giver. It is easy to read, and puts a not very emotional spin on the whole thing, yet still acknowledging that at times the whole process is very emotional. I like it.
If you know of any other good information/literature about this, please let me know.
I've worked with an Alzheimer Patient for nearly a year when I was working as a Certified Companion Aide for a Senior Care Service. I loved it. She was in stage 6 at the age of 74.
ReplyDeleteIt was a special time for me because my mother passed away in 1992 at the age of 57 and she would've been 74 at the time I was taking care of this sweet lady.
It can be difficult taking care of their needs. Showering and taking care of her personal needs were the most difficult. She did NOT like to bathe or shower and she would get really mad at me and one time she shook her finger at me while saying, "You are NOT the BOSS of ME!!" I giggled to myself and thought how can I help her understand that I'm helping her I'm not trying to boss her around so I said to her "Well Dorothy, you told me it was my turn to be the Boss today" That totally made her stop and think and then she was okay with my telling her what to do. Anyway, I'm rambling, sorry.
Here's another good book for your research. The Author of the book came to our in-service meeting and gave us a wonderful presentation about Alzheimer's. It was wonderful hearing her perspective. I think you might enjoy it.
http://www.amazon.com/Life-Early-Alzheimers-Caregivers-Diary/dp/157636108X