Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Materials
(Updated December 29, 2005)
There are an estimated four million Americans afflicted with Alzheimer's disease. Hence, you probably know someone who has or is affected by this illness. In 1983, Congress declared November "National Alzheimer's Disease Month" in an effort to increase awareness of issues and research revolving around Alzheimer's disease. Good web sites include: Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org), Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral Center (www.alzheimers.org) and Alzheimer's Disease International (www.alz.co.uk) . Here are a few of the books available from Wolfner Library regarding this topic.
To order any of these titles, contact the library by email, mail or phone. You may also request these titles online through our OPAC. Happy Reading!
The Complete Guide to Alzheimer's Proofing Your Home by Mark L. Warner.
RC 47663.
An architect and gerontologist describes what is needed to provide a safe and comfortable home for the Alzheimer's patient. Gives practical suggestions and emphasizes the importance of providing a haven that does not increase the individual's anxiety. Includes a glossary and a list of products and manufacturers.
The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for Persons with Alzheimer Disease, Related Dementing Illnesses, and Memory Loss in Later Life by Nancy L. Mace and Peter V. Rabins.
RC 52028.
Third edition of guide for families whose members suffer from dementia. Covers a wide array of related social, medical, psychological, financial, and legal problems and suggests possible solutions. Includes information on hospice and assisted facility care and advances in medical research.
I Remain in Darkness by Annie Ernaux.
BR 12735.
Journal in which French writer Annie Ernaux recorded her mother's deterioration from Alzheimer's disease. Describes her mother's progressive memory lapses and the difficulties of caring for her at home before placing her in a long-term geriatric ward.
The Dying of Enoch Wallace: Life, Death, and the Changing Brain by Ira B. Black.
RC 52261.
A neuroscientist and cell biologist chronicles a half-century of research that led to a reexamination of the functioning and treatment of the brain. Employs a fictionalized account of a banker's battle with Alzheimer's disease to explain unfolding discoveries. Observes that environmental factors can cause the brain to grow and change.
Live Now, Age Later: Proven Ways to Slow Down the Clock by Isadore Rosenfeld.
RC 48603, BR 12343.
A physician offers advice on how to delay the onset of disability and chronic disease by practicing good health habits including proper diet, exercise, stress reduction, vitamins, and medicine. Covers symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment for common conditions such as cancer, heart attacks, depression, Alzheimer's, impotence, menopause, and loss of vision and hearing.
Older and Wiser: How to Maintain Peak Mental Ability for As Long As You Live by Richard M. Restak.
RC 47348.
Neurologist and neuropsychiatrist Restak maintains age does not bring inevitable cognitive decline. He explains how normal age-related brain changes differ from Alzheimer's disease and other dementias and outlines steps to enhance the mature brain's function.
Doctor, What Should I Eat?: Nutrition Prescriptions for Ailments in which Diet Can Really Make a Difference by Isadore Rosenfeld.
RC 40712.
Although he considers himself an "establishment" doctor, Rosenfeld believes that almost every major medical condition is either caused or affected in some way by food. He provides advice on what food may help or hurt various conditions including cancer, Alzheimer's disease, pregnancy, panic attacks, jet lag, migraines, and osteoporosis.
There's Still a Person in There: The Complete Guide to Treating and Coping with Alzheimer's by Michael Castleman, Dolores Gallagher-Thompson, and Matthew Naythons.
RC 50722.
Presents research on the causes, diagnosis, and treatments for Alzheimer's disease, as well as how to reduce the risks. Also deals extensively with the caretaker's role, the medicine and support systems that are available, and how to select and pay for residential care.
When Memory Fails: Helping the Alzheimer's and Dementia Patient by Allen Jack Edwards.
RC 39971.
Gerontologist addresses dementia patients and their caregivers and families. Using language accessible to the layperson, Edwards provides background information including early warning signs and discusses diagnosis, causes, effects, and questions to ask a healthcare professional. He then examines the psychological and physical needs of patients and the impact of those needs on the caregiver.
Aging with Grace by David Snowdon.
RC 53242.
Epidemiologist discusses his research project on aging and the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease in a stable population, nuns. Explains how the survey is conducted and his involvement with this group of women, many of whom have become personal friends. Examines his discoveries concerning remaining mentally alert.
The Forgetting by David Shenk.
RC 56026.
Journalist examines the scientific, psychological, and political history of Alzheimer’s disease, a condition that is becoming ever more widespread as people live longer. Discusses early, middle, and end stages of the disease using examples of well known people who have developed this “reverse childhood.” Concludes with an optimistic view of treatment prospects.
Mayo Clinic on Alzheimer’s Disease by Ronald Peterson.
RC 55325, BR 14487.
Physician defines and describes Alzheimer’s disease, a form of dementia that affects millions of mostly older patients. Discusses the biology of the brain and the causes and treatment of this condition, offers tips for caregivers, provides practical legal and financial advice, and looks at research prospects.
Losing My Mind by Thomas DeBaggio.
RC 54906.
An early onset Alzheimer’s patient writes a memoir of the development of his condition, describing its impact on his family and detailing his progressive loss of memory. DeBaggio, a commercial herbalist from Arlington, Virginia, intersperses accounts of daily life with memories of his childhood and summaries of clinical information.
Keep Your Brain Young by Guy McKhann.
RC 56057.
Guide to coping with nervous system changes as a normal part of aging. Using research and case histories, neurologists offer physical and dietary techniques for maintaining brain function and reducing the risk of developing disorders. They also discuss the symptoms and treatment of diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia.
The Story of My Father by Sue Miller.
RC 56071.
The author becomes her father’s caretaker as he slowly succumbs to Alzheimer’s disease. The widowed James Nichols, a retired minister, begins to show symptoms of forgetfulness in the late 1980s. Miller describes their changing relationship and other effects of his condition.
The Alzheimer's Health Care Handbook: How to Get the Best Medical Care for Your Relative with Alzheimer's Disease in and out of the Hospital by Mary S. Mittelman and Cynthia Epstein.
RC 57332, BR 15223.
Advice for caregivers of Alzheimer's patients who suffer from physical ailments as well as dementia. Covers doctors' visits, medications, emergencies, hospital stays, post-hospitalization care, and end-of-life decisions. Also includes nursing home information and tips on self-care.
Alzheimer's Early Stages: First Steps for Families, Friends, and Caregivers by Daniel Kuhn.
RC 57980.
Education director of the Mather Institute of Aging addresses medical aspects of Alzheimer's disease including risk factors, early symptoms, treatment, and prevention. Also covers care, safety, finances, and end-of-life concerns. Emphasizes the importance of support groups and other assistance for families.