Between Two Worlds: Special Moments of Alzheimer's & Dementia [Hardcover]

Ellen P. Young (Author), Peter V. Rabins (Foreword)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1573926973 | ISBN-13: 978-1573926973 | Publication Date: January 1999 | Edition: 1

Veteran hospital social worker Ellen P Young, who saw both her mother and aunt struggle with Alzheimer's, says that though hard to find, humour is often the best medicine. Similar to "The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat" by Oliver Sacks, "Between Two Worlds" is the first book to explore, through personal accounts and vignettes, the rare moments of humour that unexpectedly pop up during the caregiving of people suffering from Alzheimer's and related dementia. Young brings the courageous experiences of care providers and relatives to life as they encounter the challenges of dealing with these seriously afflicted patients. At the same time, she reveals the touching and gently humorous moments that go a long way to ease the tension and pain.

Editorial Reviews

From Kirkus Reviews

A comforting companion for those coping with Alzheimer's; a collection of vignettes of awkward and/or frightening situations are here cast in a gentle, humorous light that helps take the edge off of pain and frustration. Social worker Young knows all the physiology and the statistics relating to this disease of dementia but she is also at the front line: having first nursed an aunt to her death from Alzheimer's, Young is now on a similar path caring for her mother. Young knows the reality: it is a toss-up as to who suffers more, patient or caregiver. But she urges us, successfully, to "access mirth": find humor in the most difficult situations, carry on day by day or hour by hour if necessary, try to humor the person with Alzheimer's wherever possible, avoid arguments. Hers is a steadying, encouraging tone that can help caregivers find one more small reserve of strength. Case story after case story (loosely grouped by subject) touches on the daily struggles of coping with the disease: running away, undressing in public, attacks on family members. Throughout, Young's voice helps readers focus on the gentle humor of the situation rather than the overall tragedy. Not a reference, then; just a quiet boost toward the brighter side of a difficult time. (photos) -- Copyright ©1999, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 230 pages
• Publisher: Prometheus Books; 1 edition (January 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1573926973
• ISBN-13: 978-1573926973
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,893,484 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #88 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Mental Health > Dementia

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Timely Book of Support and Humor, December 13, 1999

By 

Mary C. Riley (Baltimore) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Between Two Worlds: Special Moments of Alzheimer's & Dementia (Hardcover)

I found this book remarkable for two reasons: 1)the stories of patients and families struggling with Alzheimers, yet still being able use their sense of humor in positive ways, and 2) the author is giving all her profits to research for a cure.

So often books in this category are difficult to read, but this one is not only readable but enjoyable. The patients and families she writes about really come alive. I found myself deeply touched by their stories, including those about the author's mother.

This is a book for anyone who believes in the triumph of the human spirit and the need for laughter to overcome adversity.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Young rediscovers the humanity of Alzheimer's sufferers., July 12, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Between Two Worlds: Special Moments of Alzheimer's & Dementia (Hardcover)

"Ellen P. Young shows us how to rediscover our humanity in her writings on the lives of the Alzheimer patient and Alzheimer caregiver. She awakens us to see the dementia sufferer as a person still deserving of our touch and love. ..." -- Deidad Benincasa, Geriatrics NetworkLiving with and caring for those with Alzheimer's disease and dementia can be an agonizing experience for loving family members and caregivers. It may seem impossible to find the silver lining of hope during these difficult times. How can caregivers and family members lighten the load of grief brought on by such cases? And how do caregivers especially deal with the intensely difficult day-to-day work with those who are afflicted? Veteran hospital social worker Ellen P. Young, who saw both her mother and aunt struggle with Alzheimer's, says that though hard to find, humor is often the best medicine. "Between Two Worlds" is the first book to explore, through personal accounts and vignettes, the rare moments of humor that unexpectedly pop up during the caregiving of people suffering from Alzheimer's and related dementia. Young brings the courageous experiences of care providers and relatives to life as they encounter the challenges of dealing with these seriously afflicted patients. At the same time she reveals the touching and gently humorous moments that go a long way to ease the tension and pain. While respectful of the plight of affected families and patients, Young gathers a timeless collection of "fear busters" that "access mirth" with touching chapters such as "Please Don't Eat the Marigold," and "I've Just Found Out I'm in Baltimore." "By staring the Alzheimer's monster down and even laughing a little in the face of it," Young says, "we bolster our courage and release the chemicals (endorphins) in ourselves to gain a sense of well-being in the face of adversity." A must for all caregivers and families, this is truly a book that, once started, cannot be put down. Ellen P. Young (Lutherville, MD), who retired in 1997 from clinical social work at Union Memorial Hospital, continues to volunteer in the medical community and has written for National Catholic Reporter, among other publications. All royalties go to Alzheimer's research.

4.0 out of 5 stars the long and winding road: dementia & your parent, July 16, 2011

By 

Deborah D. Chrystal "Auntie Pasta" (Belhaven, NC) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Between Two Worlds: Special Moments of Alzheimer's & Dementia (Hardcover)

If you are dealing with a loved one with dementia this is a powerful book. Recommended to me by someone who started down the road with their mother before I did. Caring for a loved one with dementia is a huge challenge. This book helps you try to find grace in the challenge. On my best days I know the lady who lives here is no longer my mother and this book helped make that be OK!