Voices Of Alzheimer's: Courage, Humor, Hope, And Love In The Face Of Dementia [Paperback]

Betsy Peterson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 26, 2004

Betsy Peterson spent fourteen years caring for her husband who was suffering from dementia, an experience that put her in touch with others inside the struggle to have or to care for someone with the disease. A combination of contributions from patients, their families, friends, and caregivers, Voices of Alzheimer's gathers the poignant stories, funny quotes, and priceless encouragement that Peterson heard and that helped her along the way. Capturing the many dimensions of the Alzheimer experience-the challenges, the struggles, the humor, and even the rewards-aVoices presents a varied, and realistic, look at what it's like to be affected by the disease. With compassion, humor, and grace, it offers the simple advice, wisdom, and understanding of others who have traveled the same uncertain path.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Formerly Associate General Counsel for Houghton Mifflin Company,Elisabeth Peterson has also been a teacher, a college admissions officer, and an assistant dean of Yale College during its first years of undergraduate coeducation from 1969 to 1975. She lives in Boston.

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Da Capo Press (October 26, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0738209627
• ISBN-13: 978-0738209623
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #543,940 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Touches the heart..., November 15, 2004

By 

P. Callahan "pc" (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Voices Of Alzheimer's: Courage, Humor, Hope, And Love In The Face Of Dementia (Paperback)

It is difficult to put into words how this book affected me. It is a page turner, not because it is suspenseful, but because I continued to want more of the wise, kind, and loving thoughts that came through on every page. I was awed by the patients' own words, and the honest thoughts of family and friends. Although helpful resources are provided, it is the positive attitudes of those touched by this disease that will lead me to this book again and again as the need for hope and support arises.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful book to help you understand Alzheimers, November 22, 2004

By 

Vanessa M. Shields (Denver, CO) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Voices Of Alzheimer's: Courage, Humor, Hope, And Love In The Face Of Dementia (Paperback)

It's a wonderful book. Its power is in the innocence and simplicity of the quotes. It moves you from complete unawareness of the disease, up through recognition and understanding.

I bought it for my husband, whose mother is in the middle stages of Alzheimers. He read it, or should I say, devoured it, immediately. Then he bought one for his sister (he didn't want to give away his copy).

It's a text book on the progression of Alzheimers, written by people who were there, and woven into a beautiful story. It brings about a sense of peace after reading it.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must-Have Book on the Subject, November 24, 2004

By 

Jenneke Barton - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Voices Of Alzheimer's: Courage, Humor, Hope, And Love In The Face Of Dementia (Paperback)

This small book is a treasure of honest and deep sharing on the part of dementia patients and their caregivers and loved ones. The book is visually very attractive, the content is well organized, and the quotes--covering the full spectrum of sadness and anger to wisdom, humor, hope, and gratitude--are interspersed with the author's own moving story. Reading this has enabled me to relate with much greater understanding and confidence to those with Alzheimer's, and there is an excellent section on available resources. Voices of Alzheimer's is unique in the literature on the subject and deserves to become a classic in the field.

Jenneke Barton