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

by Betsy Peterson (Author)
Key Phrases: adult day programs, Voices of Alzheimer, Money Worries, The Patient's Changing World (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"Collects thoughts and stories from patients and their families, reminding us that this barren road is much traveled by others." -- San Diego Physician, December 2005

"Gives a personal outlook on the difficulties by people coping with long days and hard choices…Very moving." -- Metapsychology, 7/11/06

Product Description

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.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Da Capo Press (October 26, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0738209627
• ISBN-13: 978-0738209623
• Product Dimensions: 5.9 x 5.7 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #703,693 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

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

By	P. Callahan (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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 (REAL NAME)

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 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