The Alzheimer's Caregiving Puzzle: Putting Together the Pieces

In the U.S. 5.2 million people live with Alzheimer's disease, it is the sixth-leading cause of death and ten million baby boomers will develop Alzheimer's in their lifetime. Alzheimer's often takes a bigger toll on the caregivers of persons living with Alzheimer’s; generally family members, loved-ones and friends. The burdens placed on caregivers run the gamut of social, psychological, physical and economic pressure. Since Alzheimer's has no cure and gradually renders people incapable of tending to their own needs, caregiving is the treatment and must be carefully managed over the course of the disease. Written by two caregivers with 55 years of experience the book speaks directly to the caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease or related dementia. Using a theme of Nurture What Remains the authors explain what happens to the person who has Alzheimer's disease or related dementia. They directly address caregivers and through the use of diagrams, charts, examples, and stories help caregivers to explain to loved ones the progression of the disease; show loved ones what they can still do and enjoy; show family members and others that caregiving is a team effort and cannot be the responsibility of one person; show how persons with dementia can be exploited or abused; and help caregivers plan for the Next Step after caregiving. The Alzheimer's Caregiving Puzzle does not promise to have all the answers to the puzzle. But the book will help people to understand and give better care both to persons living with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers. The Alzheimer’s Caregiving Puzzle shows the progression of Alzheimer’s disease across the brain, the remaining functions of the brain at each stage of the disease, and outlines three caregiving styles. It also charts caregiving stages, five healthy caregiving practices, and the financial abilities of the person with Alzheimer’s disease.