Alzheimer's: The Answers You Need

Rating:
Summary: Patient/family gives this 5 stars
Review: A patient and his wife, particiating in the Mild Cognitive Impairment study, were looking for information on AD as he had just converted to a diagnosis of Alzheimer's. Their response to this book was that we should give a copy to everyone who comes into our Center. The wife has read other books and given lukewarm responses, so this was really a significant recommendation.

Rating:
Summary: Patient/family gives this 5 stars
Review: A patient and his wife, particiating in the Mild Cognitive Impairment study, were looking for information on AD as he had just converted to a diagnosis of Alzheimer's. Their response to this book was that we should give a copy to everyone who comes into our Center. The wife has read other books and given lukewarm responses, so this was really a significant recommendation.

Rating:
Summary: This first-of-its-kind book has generated excellent reviews
Review: Alzheimer's: The Answers You Need is the first guidebook ever written for people in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease as well as their caregivers. The book has generated widespread interest and excellent reviews including the following:

"Unique in addressing patients themselves rather than their caretakers, Alzheimer's: The Answers You Need clearly and carefully explains the vicissitudes of the illness. In a discussion ranging from possible causes to advice on attitude adjustment, the authors have drawn upon their experiences with Alzheimer's patients in compiling this comprehensive and easily consulted reference. " Publishers Weekly 2/2/98

"The intelligence and compassion of both authors shines through in every word of the 140-page book. The questions are hard-hitting, concise, inclusive and difficult. The answers are painful, but positive." San Jose Mercury News, November '97

"Alzheimer's: The Answers You Need fills an important gap for the person who is developing dementia. It is clear and accessible. The answers are wonderfully sane, practical, and reflect the long experience of the authors. This book will be of value to anyone with a new diagnosis of Alzheimer's and those who care for them." Nancy Mace, author, The 36 Hour Day

"A 'must -have' for persons in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, Alzheimer's: The Answers You Need provides honest and compassionate answers about the progression and management of Alzheimer's disease. The book also addresses both the lifestyle changes that accompany Alzheimer's disease and the realistic expectations patient and family members should have in managing the disease." Alzheimer's Association, Greater San Francisco Bay Area Chapter, Los Altos, CA.

"This book contains encouraging and comforting reminders that there IS life with dementia AND life after diagnosis. Key messages wisely remind readers with Alzheimer's to expect change and to accept necessary help." Lisa P. Gwyther, MSW Duke University Medical Cr Durham, N.C.

"How wonderful to have a book like this available for newly-diagnosed families who need so many answers. This guidebook will be extremely valuable in helping families cope." Ann Davidson, author, Alzheimer's: A Love Story

"There is no single book which provides so much information in simple language. I recommend this book highly." Shamala Kanchan, M.D.

"Until now, the many books about this daunting subject have been written for caregivers and relatives, leaving patients out of the loop, with little direct guidance or chance at self-actualization. To open this book is to feel the walls of terminal illness closing in; at the same time, new doors open to opportunities for tremendous adjustment. A simple question-and-answer format offers a non judgmental forum and a way for the authors to make important points without sounding preachy." San Francisco Chronicle, July 1st, '98

"While there are many books on Alzheimer's, many of them paint a bleak picture of what's ahead for Alzheimer's patients and their families. Davies & Jensen took a more upbeat tone with their book. They also did something other Alzheimer's books haven't done: they wrote it for the patients, not just the families and caregivers." Palo Alto Weekly, May 6th, '98

"This invaluable book is the first to address the numerous questions that arise with newly diagnosed or early stage Alzheimer's disease. The clear and succinct answers to over 100 commonly-asked questions give the reader both straightforward information as well as sound and respectful advice." Perspectives, January, '98

Rating:
Summary: Good, Brief Review
Review: Having read many books on Alzheimer's, I found this one to be particularly useful, especially as a reference since it is presented an easy to use question and answer format. The authors address a lot of questions related to the social and emotional aspects of dealing with the disease. It is brief, but it is intended to be to the point. Definately worthwhile.

Rating:
Summary: This book speaks directly to the Alzheimer's patient!
Review: Many books about Alzheimer's disease assume that family caregivers or professionals are reading them. Alzheimer's: The Answers You Need is the first book written expressly for the patient. The book assumes that people with AD are intelligent, sensitive and desperately seeking answers to questions about their condition. Moreover, the book does not overwhelm with information nor does it condescend in attempts to convey a point. Each section of the book centers on a question about the disease and straightforward answers are provided. Some pages, interestingly enough, have more blank space than words printed on them -- but that's okay. The idea here is to be concise, smooth and clear in letting a person with a devastating disease know what lies ahead. The book is geared toward people in the early stages of AD, however, it provides sound information for those who are caregivers and professionals who want a better understanding of Alzheimer's disease.

Rating:
Summary: Good, Brief Review
Review: Since I have been fortunate not to have any dealings with Alzheimer's Disease, I read the book and came away with a different perspective. This is not only a book about dealing with the specific disease, but can be applied to any situation that looks or is hopeless. It is a book about how to live your life successfully whether you have two weeks or twenty years. The authors have incorporated much of their own life philosophies in this question/answer format; and the reader is the benefactor. The compassion and caring of these two dedicated authors is evident on each page. I hope the book continues to fall into the right hands. I truly believe it can make a difference in how we perceive and define the process of dying.

Rating:
Summary: This is a wonderful, compassionate book.
Review: Since I have been fortunate not to have any dealings with Alzheimer's Disease, I read the book and came away with a different perspective. This is not only a book about dealing with the specific disease, but can be applied to any situation that looks or is hopeless. It is a book about how to live your life successfully whether you have two weeks or twenty years. The authors have incorporated much of their own life philosophies in this question/answer format; and the reader is the benefactor. The compassion and caring of these two dedicated authors is evident on each page. I hope the book continues to fall into the right hands. I truly believe it can make a difference in how we perceive and define the process of dying.

Rating:
Summary: much needed resource for patient and caregiver
Review: There is a paucity of literature for the patient and caregiver(s) of patients with Alzheimer's Disease. The Q and A format is excellent and it's easy to read. It hits the hard issues straight on, e.g. dealing with loss of independence when driving is no longer possible, having someone delegated to hold power of attorney,sexual needs of patients and their mates. Of course, there are more areas, many more. For the patient with Alzheimer's Disease who still has the ability to process new information, this book is perfect. It addresses the "must" issues of preparation that all families face. Health care workers will benefit from reading this book because it targets the very people who are hungry for information. It teaches us how to communicate more effectively with our clients. I was surfing to the Amazon site to get the order information for a home health colleague when I saw this review opportunity and I couldn't pass it up. This book will be on my reference lists at the various speaking presentations that I do as Clinical Nurse Specialist in Geriatric Psychiatry.

Judith Wilson Clinical Nurse Specialist

Rating:
Summary: Great Book!
Review: This book really helped my Mother understand what was happening to her, and helped her cope. I really recommend it.

Rating:
Summary: We wrote this book to inform Alzheimer's patients.
Review: Whenever I spent time with my Father-in-law, he would ask me questions about his disease, Alzheimer's disease. I don't work in Health Care. I'm just a writer. I handled it the best way I knew how. I looked for a book that would answer his question. I could not find one, so I found someone who knows the answers and we wrote a book together. Patients have lots of questions about what is happening to them, what will happen, and how to cope. You will be surprised at how well a patient can do if the problems are met in the right way. We wrote our book to show them that way. It also helps caregivers understand what is happening both physically and emotionally. Helen Davies experience counseling patients and caregivers has taught her, and through her, taught me, a real sensitivity to a patients problems and fears. It has also given us a lot of hope for just how good the next few years can be if a patient makes the right choices. We wish you all the best.