Jean Robinson

Although everyone’s situation is different, many Alzheimer’s caregivers say, “If only I had known what to expect and how to respond, it would have helped—particularly at first.” How true. Thus, as my Alzheimer’s “research” notes filled a folder, they became a silent partner and an emotional release during the five years that Dick’s challenging demeanor was not compatible with helpers we tried. Then he relaxed considerably, and I had energy to organize the notes and input from many sources into the foundation for this book, whose purpose is to help people better understand Alzheimer’s and the traumatic plight of people that have it, and to make Alzheimer’s care and communication a bit easier, better, and less stressful.

In this guide you will find Alzheimer’s warning signs, evaluations and treatments, caregivers’ and loved ones’ needs, healthful eating and physical activity programs, home safety tips, personal care guides, suggestions for coping with challenging behaviors, helper guidelines, medication, legal and financial concerns, stages of the disease, and how to protect your memory and brain. As a dietitian, I emphasize healthful eating (menus and guides included) and physical activity as important aspects in maintaining physical and emotional health.

When my mother, age ninety-five, was released from a local Alzheimer’s and dementia care facility three years ago and came to live with us, her spirited persona, tempered by macular degeneration, dysphagia, and the need for assistance to walk with her walker added new challenges. Almost a year later, Dick succumbed after a two-week battle with pneumonia. How I miss him and how thankful I am to have been able to care for him.

This book, I hope, will help you to cope, defined as “to manage with success.” For the more you are able to cope, the more you will be able to care for your loved one who has Alzheimer’s and for yourself.