A guide to dealing with a diagnosis of Alezheimer's: coping with the diagnosis, managing symptoms, plannig for the future, keeping hope and humor, participating in research, and more.

When Tom DeBaggio turned fifty-seven in 1999, he thought he was about to embark on the relaxing golden years of retirement -- time to spend with his family, his friends, the herb garden he had spent decades cultivating and from which he made a living. Then, one winter day, he mentioned to his doctor during a routine exam that he had been stumbling into forgetfulness, making his work difficult. After that fateful visit, and a subsequent battery of tests over several months, DeBaggio joined the legion of twelve million others afflicted with Alzheimer's disease. But under such a curse, DeBaggio was also given one of the greatest gifts: the ability to chart the ups and downs of his own failing mind. Losing My Mind is an extraordinary first-person account of early onset Alzheimer's -- the form of the disease that ravages younger, more alert minds. DeBaggio started writing on the first day of his diagnosis and has continued despite his slipping grasp on one of life's greatest treasures, memory. In an inspiring and detailed account, DeBaggio paints a vivid picture of the splendor of memory and the pain that comes from its loss. Whether describing the happy days of a youth spent in a much more innocent time or evaluating how his disease has affected those around him, DeBaggio poignantly depicts one of the most important parts of our lives -- remembrance -- and how we often take it for granted. But to DeBaggio, memory is more than just an account of a time long past, it is one's ability to function, to think, and ultimately, to survive. As his life becomes reduced to moments of clarity, the true power of thought and his ability to connect to the world shine through, and in DeBaggio's case, it is as much in the lack of functioning as it is in the ability to function that one finds love, hope and the relaxing golden years of peace. At once an autobiography, a medical history and a testament to the beauty of memory, Losing My Mind is more than just a story of Alzheimer's, it is the captivating tale of one man's battle to stay connected with the world and his own life.

When Michael Folio was in his mid-fifties, he was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's. Naturally, he and his wife, Cheryl Levin-Folio, couldn't believe the news. But instead of running away from shock and fear of the unknown that accompanies such a diagnosis, the two let it sink in for a day and then created a plan to fight and do everything in their power to preserve, enhance and lengthen Michael's life. The 24-Hour Rule: Living with Alzheimer's is their positive, energetic, life-changing story. The book will help you care for your loved one with Alzheimer's and care for yourself, an equally essential component for managing the disease. Each chapter contains tips, strategies, and Cheryl's insights and personal experiences, all of which will help those afflicted with this devastating disease-and their caregivers-live from one day to the next with as much peace, enjoyment and dignity as possible. "Michael is demonstrating wonderful results compared to many patients at similar ages and stages of the illness. The menu of activities that Cheryl has assembled along with Michael's optimistic attitude have made this possible. Everything Michael and Cheryl are doing with their dedicated approach can help anyone affected with Alzheimer's. Unlike many books that focus on frightening aspects of future decline, The 24-Hour Rule: Living with Alzheimer's contains a wide range of helpful strategies for living every day to the fullest. I look forward to offering this enthusiastic how-to guide as a resource for all of our patients and families at the USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Institute!" -Amanda G. Smith, M.D. - Medical Director USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Institute - University of South Florida Health Byrd Alzheimer's Institute

Discusses ways to mentally connect with a person who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, which includes engaging individuals through the healthier parts of the brain.

A renowned geriatrician shares tips on how families and individuals can live happy, engaged lives after a dementia diagnosis.

Speaks directly to the person diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's and offers them the information they need to move ahead.

A practical, helpful guide on how to fight back against Alzheimer’s disease—with expert medical advice and one woman’s inspiring personal journey. Jamie Tyrone was forty-nine years old when she learned by accident through genetic testing that she had a 91% chance of getting Alzheimer's disease. She was shocked, but after an initial bout with depression she decided to take action rather than concede defeat. Jamie teamed up with Dr. Marwan Sabbagh, a renowned neurologist, and together they created a resource detailing not just Jamie's experience, but expert medical advice for anyone facing the disease. This book is a practical, helpful guide for those who know they’re at greater risk of contracting Alzheimer’s disease. With cutting-edge medical guidance from Dr. Sabbagh about the true nature of Alzheimer’s, the risks involved, and daily steps you can take to protect yourself, Jamie’s story will encourage and empower you. In Fighting for My Life, readers will: Gain expert medical advice from Dr. Sabbagh on how to fight back against the disease Discover the pros, cons and possible dangers of genetic testing Witness a first-hand account of how to deal with the shadow of Alzheimer’s disease through Jamie’s story If Alzheimer’s has affected your life or the life of someone you know, this book is for you. You’ll be armed with information and ready to tackle Alzheimer’s head-on.

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Receiving a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease profoundly alters lives and creates endless uncertainty about the future. How does a person cope with such a life-changing discovery? What are the hopes and fears of someone living with this disease? How does he want to be treated? How does he feel as the disease alters his brain, his relationships, and ultimately himself? Richard Taylor provides illuminating responses to these and many other questions in this collection of provocative essays. Diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease at age 61, the former psychologist courageously shares an account of his slow transformation and deterioration and the growing division between his world and the world of others. With poignant clarity, candor, and even occasional humor, more than 80 brief essays address difficult issues faced by those with Alzheimer's disease, including the loss of independence and personhood unwanted personality shifts communication difficulties changes in relationships with loved ones and friends the declining ability to perform familiar tasks This rare, insightful exploration into the world of individuals with Alzheimer's disease is a captivating read for anyone affected personally or professionally by the devastating disease. Individuals with early-stage Alzheimer's disease will take comfort in the voice of a fellow traveler experiencing similar challenges, frustrations, and triumphs. Family and professional caregivers will be enlightened by Taylor's revealing words, gaining a better understanding of an unfathomable world and how best to care for someone living in it.

People with early dementia face enormous challenges in coping with their condition, yet they typically receive no personalized education or support following the diagnosis. Counseling empowers them to understand and come to terms with the illness while also learning to manage and make healthy adaptations to it. With the rapid increase in people diagnosed with early memory impairment--and demand for better support services--this groundbreaking new guide gives you essential tools to become an integral partner in a process that helps people adjust to the many changes in their lives. Presenting an innovative new counseling framework designed around the unique problems and needs arising from dementia, Counseling People with Early-Stage Alzheimer's Disease guides the counselor and client through the many emotional, practical, and lifestyle issues to be faced. In her new and easy-to-follow protocol, Robyn Yale--an internationally renowned expert on early-stage support groups--explores topics that include identity and self-esteem, resilience, relating to and educating others, stress management, and more. You will come away with an expanded repertoire of specialized skills and support roles--including coach, care planner, mediator, communications specialist, and problem solver--that will dramatically improve your ability to assist people with early dementia to - work through complex emotions - tap into useful coping mechanisms - focus on capabilities - adapt to practical circumstances in their day-to-day activities - retain maximum autonomy over lifestyle preferences - find new ways to move forward with their lives At the heart of this approach is the unique story behind each relationship forged between the person with dementia and the counselor. It is sure to spark inspiration and self-discovery--in yourself and in those with whom you work!