Customer Reviews

Alzheimer's Early Stages: First Steps for Family, Friends, and Caregivers

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

When the first edition of this book appeared in late 1999, it became the antidote for the scary books about Alzheimer's disease that have dominated the literature since the 1980s. By focusing on the early stages of the disease, Kuhn provides the right dose of help and hope to those struggling to come to terms with the myriad changes in roles and responsibilities of all concerned. The second edition provides updated information while leaving intact positive messages about living with Alzheimer's and not merely surviving through it. A new chapter gives voice to experienced family members who share valuable lessons. This book provides accurate information about the disease and useful tips that enable family members, friends and interested professionals to cope with someone's memory loss and other thinking problems. It's the one book that should be read by all starting down this difficult road. And doctors should be writing down this title on a prescription pad!

I wish this book had been available when I started the caregiving journey with my parents, both with (mis-diagnosed) early stage Alzheimer's disease. I had to learn everything the hard way. Knowledge is power and this book will explain all the details your doctor doesn't have time to tell you. If you know anyone starting down this path with elderly loved ones, this is a book they will thank you for.

I also interviewed Mr. Kuhn on my radio program, Coping With Caregiving (wsRadio.com) and was impressed further by his vast knowledge and by the way he explained Alzheimer's early stage, which is so easily overlooked by families as well as physicians.

-Jacqueline Marcell, Author 'Elder Rage', International Speaker on Eldercare & Alzheimer's, Host 'Coping With Caregiving' Internet Radio Show at wsRadio

This book covered all the issues I'm facing, both as a son of an reciently diagnoised dad, and as a legal agent for another family member with Alzheimer's. This has been by far the best book I've found on the practical matters that must be addressed early on (i.e. driving, finances, and care choices). For now, this is my reference book. I'd strongly suggest starting with this book if Alzheimer's has entered your family or close circle of friends.

A readable, well-informed, and wide-ranging exploration of Alzheimer's--really an excellent resource. I'm an ombudsman volunteer and needed to learn more about this disease, and especially wanted something that wasn't all gloom and doom. Caregivers in particular should find this book useful. It provides up-to-date information on how the disease "behaves," and then devotes several chapters to considering how the best possible care can be provided for persons with early stages of Alzheimer's. If their needs for intimacy, community, and meaningful activity are met, the author says, the person with Alzheimer's can be relatively happy. There are chapters on what it's like for the person who has the disease, ways to improve communication, appropriate activities, planning for future care, and caring for the caregiver, among other topics. Throughout there's enough detail to be useful, but not so much that you feel overwhelmed. There are many practical suggestions, informed by compassion and professional expertise. There's also a helpful list of resources at the back, along with citations to resources in the professional literature. Overall, an excellent contribution for those of us looking for better ways to think about and respond to the Alzheimer's challenge.

After going through this process for almost 18 years with my father and now starting over with a sister just over 50, I find this book to be a great resource for our family. Things are different now than with my father, Alzheimer's is not that awful word that you were afraid to say. It is nice to know that people like Dan understand and is able to put his knowledge into words to help others. Thanks Dan.

When my mother was first diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, everything I read about it scared me out of my wits. I wish this balanced book had been available to instruct and encourage me and my family. This impressive guide is a refreshing antidote to the usual doom and gloom. If you wonder if a relative or friend may have the disease or if a diagnosis has recently been determined, this is a must read.

This book should be read by anyone helping to take care of a person with Alzheimer's Disease - in any stage. The information is easy to understand, useful, and practical. The book also contains a long list of where to find more information as well as equipment, etc. A Great Resource.

This book covers absolutely everything you would want to know about caring for a person with Alzheimer's Disease. I really appreciated its combination of honesty tempered with kindness. It includes not only the author's considerable knowldege of the topic, but also the perspectives of victins of Alzheimer's as well as a host of different caregivers -- real people, all of them. When I read this book, I felt that it had covered every single one of the myriad conflicting emotions I feel every day in joining with my family to care for my father.

I know my family is going to benefit so much from this book. It has what we are looking for -- all types of basic information, about the disease itself and practical caregiving information, presented in a very calming manner. We are in the tricky situation of the affected family member's refusal to go to a doctor, so we don't even have a professional as a guide through this situation....not yet anyway. It is great to have Mr. Kuhn's experience and depth of knowledge, in an easy-to-read and comprehensive guide.

A really informative book that points you in the right direction as far as finances, estate planning etc. I would recommend this book to family members who are caring for someone with this condition.