A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or dementia elicits a plethora of inquiries, and those affected by the disease aren’t always aware of where they might get the answers. People who have recently learned that a family member or other loved one has dementia or Alzheimer’s can access many different resources, including books, guides, medical professionals, and other experts.
Finding all of these resources can be an intimidating task, especially when you consider all of the new day-to-day obstacles that have been added to your life due to your loved one’s Alzheimer’s disease.
However, discovering solace in other people’s words can provide a solid foundation from where to begin processing and relating to a shared experience.
Books are another useful resource for families who are coping with the impact of a dementia diagnosis on their loved one. And these books are authored by people who have first hand experience working with people having Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. They are medical professionals, counsellors, caretakers, and also family members whose loved one has a diagnosis of dementia.
Thus, readers will get a better understanding of what it’s like to care for and support a loved one who has dementia by hearing from others who have been there and have years of experience in this field.
Top 10 Best Books on Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Take a look at ten of our recommended books on the subject of dementia if you are interested in learning more. We have included those that have made it onto best-seller lists, have received excellent ratings from readers, have won prizes, or were written by specialists or loved ones. These books provide thoughts on assisting and caring for someone who has dementia.
1. My Past Is Now My Future
My dementia research brought me to the book “My Past Is Now My Future,” which I believe is an excellent resource for those looking for information on dementia. It is a valuable resource for everyone, especially families of persons with dementia.
The authors are Lanny Butler (OTR) and Kari Brizendine (PT). It is a short book that is extremely simple to read and contains descriptions of the seven stages of dementia and what to anticipate in each stage.
In addition to that, they do an excellent job of defining the distinction between dementia and the natural aging process. The “My Way” questionnaire can be found at the back of the book, and it is a fantastic tool for gaining additional insight into an individual’s typical daily activities.
Caregivers’ Reviews on Amazon
“As the family member and primary caregiver of an Alzheimer’s sufferer, I was struggling to come to grips with the changes taking place with my loved one. I highly recommend this book. It is intended as a guide for the care of people with Alzheimer’s through better understanding of the stages of the disease.
For me, it was a lightning bolt moment when I finished the book and was probably the one single tool which truly gave me some peace through the process. The book is very short and easily finished in an evening or two. I hope it can help others as much as it helped me.”
“I am an RN and have been caring for people with dementia all of my 30+ year career. Caring for someone with dementia has a much different impact on you when you begin to care for one of your parents.
The insight that I was able to learn from this book, specifically “My Way,” has given me a new perspective in how to continue to make memories and engage my parent NOW, to help me later provide the care needed in the way that they will know best. I am better off for having read this book!!!”
2. Keeping Busy (A Handbook of Activities for Persons with Dementia)
James Dowling’s book Keeping Busy offers several suggestions for pursuits that might lend a sense of purpose and pleasure to the lives of those with dementia. The activities are categorized into broad groups: music, physical activity, horticulture, pets, humor, and social gatherings.
The most extensive portion of the book is devoted to communication and consists of word puzzles and games designed to improve people’s remaining linguistic abilities. In the description of each activity, step-by-step instructions and suggestions on how to modify the activity so that it can be done by people at home or in an organization, by small or big groups, and for all stages of dementia.
Caregivers’ Reviews on Amazon
“This book has helped me so much w/my Dad. I feel that the activities offered to help him, and he seems to enjoy doing them. This is a good thing for him and me too. I would suggest this book to anyone looking to create some active time for their loved one…It is a great buy for me and Dad.”
“I work in an assisted living residence for people with dementia, and our goal is to engage our residents all day in meaningful activities. It is very challenging and has great rewards.
This book’s title, Keeping Busy, almost made me pass it by because we are focused on more than just keeping our residents ‘busy’…we want them to enjoy themselves and, in fact, to ‘flourish’ in our environment. I am glad I purchased it because it has many delightful activities that, do much more than just keep people ‘busy’.”
3. The Dementia Handbook
Dementia & Alzheimer’s Wellbeing Network was initially conceived and established by Judy Cornish (DAWN). She takes a systematic and empathic approach to dementia care, improving the quality of life for individuals who have dementia and the caregivers who support them.
Judy has noticed a pattern in the abilities and limitations of persons who are living with dementia. Based on this, she devised strategies for caregivers to reduce emotional discomfort, which can swiftly and safely manage troublesome behaviors.
Although persons with dementia lose their sense of identity, they are still the same beloved person they were before their diagnosis. This is something that Judy Cornish recognizes. So, as you accompany a loved one who is navigating a challenging but possibly rewarding new road, The Dementia Handbook: How to Provide Dementia Care at Home is the reassuring guide you’ve been looking for to provide you with the assistance you need.
Caregivers’ Reviews on Amazon
“This book was life-changing! It took me three days to read it all! I probably would have read it faster, but my grandma, who I care for part-time, keeps me busy! Judy Cornish is a true saint! Thank you so much for your encouraging message! I’m ready to read the next book!! Anyone who is caring for a loved one at home MUST READ!!”
“I cannot stop buying this book! My personal copy has been given away four times, and I bought copies for my independent 95-year-old mother’s home health nurse, her neighbor, her housekeeper, and three potential future caregivers! All joyful feedback! The ease of Judy’s process is so accessible that you start integrating it before you can get to Chapter Two.”
4. When Waves Rise
When Waves Rise by Sarah Viola is an essential book for people who are providing care for a loved one with dementia.
In this book, Sarah condenses her eleven years of experience supporting people who are living with dementia, and she does so with the utmost care as she discusses a sensitive subject. Her experiences have aided others who provide care, both professionally and personally, in better comprehending the “why” behind challenging situations.
The ever-present alterations brought on by dementia give rise to difficulties that others do not grasp easily. When Waves Rise helps clarify these shifts and issues by providing practical examples that provide detailed explanations and conclusions.
Caregivers can utilize the methods that are presented in this book to provide assistance on a day-to-day basis and on an ongoing basis as the disease advances.
Caregivers’ Reviews on Amazon
“Working in long-term care, I find so many times when I wonder, “what is she thinking” or “what is his need”? This book helps break down the mystery in their mind and give techniques to calm a situation. It is useful for most long-term care staff to understand and to implement the insights.”
“Sarah does an amazing job. She not only provides education on functions of the brain and dementia, but she also gives you scenarios that anyone can relate to. This is a great resource not only for caregivers but providers as well. This is a workbook that I will continue to use throughout my career.”
5. Creative Engagement
There are dozens of innovative, hands-on ways to interact with people with cognitive loss in Rachael Wonderlin and Geri M. Lotze’s Creative Engagement. Helping families and professionals find and implement dementia-friendly daily activities: this thorough, sympathetic handbook is aimed at both. Exercise, technology, cooking, baking, and memory games are just a few of the themes covered in the book’s twelve chapters.
Wonderlin and Lotze propose tried-and-true methods for dealing with people with dementia, emphasizing group dynamics, individual dynamics, everyday activities, and custom-made interests. The authors’ guide on developing a dementia-friendly environment includes a daily calendar and a list of planned community activities.
In addition, they offer suggestions for activities tailored to the needs of those receiving hospice care, as well as advice on how to deal with caregiver stress.
Caregivers’ Reviews on Amazon
“I have been working with people living with dementia for 6 years. I thought I’d read everything on activities, but I love this book! It has a ton of easy, fun, doable activities. This is perfect for both professionals looking for fresh ideas in memory care communities as well as for families looking to help their loved ones be more engaged. The chapters are short yet very informative. I look forward to more from Rachael!”
“You can never know enough about the disease process of Dementia to be able to be at your best at Caregiving. This book helps you be the best Caregiver you can be.”
6. Understanding Brain Diseases And Disorders
Although dementia is one of the least understood brain disorders, the global population of persons living with some dementia is estimated to be 24 million people.
This book investigates the many different medical conditions that can lead to this brain ailment and explains the disorder’s symptoms comprehensively. In addition, the part on how to care for a person who has dementia will be of great value to readers familiar with someone who has dementia.
Caregivers’ Reviews on Amazon
“The seriousness of brain disorders and diseases are tackled in this practical and manageable series. . .helpful sidebars separate myths from the truth and provide additional facts. Attractively packaged and full of information, these titles can be used for reports or for readers dealing with these issues.”
7. Activities To Do With Your Parent Who Has Alzheimer’s Dementia
Your older adult’s ability to maintain their own self-care, mobility, and socializing can be helped by participating in the activities outlined in this book by Judith A. Levy, EdM OTR. The activities are designed to motivate you to achieve achievement, enhance your sense of self-worth, and provide you with various opportunities to engage in conversation with an older adult.
These tasks foster feelings of accomplishment and self-worth and creative methods to communicate with your loved one. These tasks can be assessed objectively by using the Activity Assessment Form. It might help you figure out what setup and setting work best for you and your loved one. In addition, the use of a written format fosters consistency among caregivers.
Caregivers’ Reviews on Amazon
“I have a parent and 2 aunts that have this awful disease. They are all in various stages in their progression. I got this book for more ideas to help keep them safe and occupied. I also care for this type of person in a Long term care facility. Hopefully, I can use some of these ideas with them. If nothing else, I think this book will be good for reference.”
“Clear and well written. My mother has dementia and is also bed-bound. Although some activities are for those on their feet, there are lots for the physically disabled too.”
8. Dementia With Dignity
This groundbreaking how-to guidebook by Judy Cornish shows caregivers how to make it easier to care for persons with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia in their own homes.
Wouldn’t it be easier to care for a loved one with dementia if you were able to better understand the types of approaches and care involved? We can help someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia feel more secure in their home when we have a clear picture of what they’re going through.
With the help of this book, you’ll learn more about how dementia affects our cognitive abilities and the emotions we feel when these abilities are taken away from us.
Caregivers’ Reviews on Amazon
“My father does not ‘suffer’ from dementia; he *lives* with it. Judy Cornish gave me ways to explain to others, especially other family members, why I feel so strongly that he is better off in his own home as long as possible and why I am making the choices I am about his care.”
“I wish I had read this before I became a caregiver. Amazing examples and thorough explanations of why the DAWN method works. Thank You!!!”
9. Life Giving Dementia Care
Life Giving Dementia Care is an easy-to-grasp best-seller that guides you step-by-step through the process of dealing with all stages of dementia or Alzheimer’s care. The book was written by a daughter, Toni Kanzler, who provided care for her mother.
It is as if you are conversing with a friend who has experienced what you have and is frankly discussing their own worries, grief, joys, and life lessons as a caregiver.
The primary objective of this important work is to enable carers to feel self-assured and joyful as they care for a parent, an older person, or another adult with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
Caregivers’ Reviews on Amazon
“Although I am currently going through a spouse with dementia and have read lots on the subject, I can honestly say this book has added new insight to me as a caregiver. I pray daily that a cure is found or a way to prevent dementia. It is a devastating condition and one I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. Thanks for sharing your insight.”
“My dad was recently diagnosed with dementia, so this book came out at a great time. The author did her research, and I appreciate how thoughtfully she spelled out each stage.”
10. Caregiver Daily Log Book
It is understandable when a family member, a relative, a friend, or even a neighbor comes forward to take care of a loved one because it is not an easy task, and it is even more difficult to get everything organized.
This log book from Viv Care is provided solely to assist you in maintaining their contentment, attending to their needs in a more structured manner, saving you time, and ensuring that they remain healthier and more content.
When you have this book with you, you don’t need to worry about trying to recall what occurred previously, so you can maintain your attention on really providing care for the person instead of trying to do so.
Additionally, it can assist the caregiver in performing to the best of their abilities and provides loved ones with a complete record of the cared-for individual that includes minute information.
Caregivers’ Reviews on Amazon
“This log book covered everything we wanted long for our mom. Medication, exercises, vitals, and notes. Now, if only the caregivers we hired would fill it out correctly. It’s really simple to follow.”
“I was skeptical that this log would serve the family’s needs for elderly parents, but it has been essential in our rotation of caregivers. With four caregivers keeping consistent records and notes, we have avoided extra hospital visits and/or doctor visits. This double-page layout has plenty of space to make notes for all activities throughout the day. I will be ordering more copies.”
Closing Thoughts
Taking care of someone who has Alzheimer’s or another kind of dementia is challenging. For one thing, it’s not easy to track down the most effective care or communication methods. Some of these tactics may even go against our instincts.
You and your elderly loved one may feel more stressed and frustrated if you don’t know how to employ these helpful tactics.
As a result, educating yourself is critical.
You and your loved one’s quality of life will improve if you learn as much as possible about the disease.
I hope that you find these books about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia caregiving helpful in your journey as a caregiver.
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