BOOK REVIEW

Learning to Speak Alzheimer's centers on learning to care for someone with Alzheimer’s disease.

It covers the process a person experiences as Alzheimer’s disease takes away life and personality. It gives examples of other people going through the disease and the effects at different stages. The book contains information that is focused on care facilities in the U.S.

The book covers a lot of common sense ideas and strategies for dealing with the disease. It also includes a new application of language. For example, unlike most books on the subject, Learning to Speak Alzheimer’s uses words like “habilitator of care partners” instead of “caregiver”.

The author states that she developed a set of simple tenets:

1. Make the physical environment work
2. Know that communication remains possible
3. Focus on remaining skills
4. Live in the world of the person touched by Alzheimer’s disease
5. Enrich the life of the person with Alzheimer’s disease

These tenets are what she considers throughout the book.

While the information is there, it is neither new nor advanced in its field. There are other great books on Alzheimer’s disease with more practical suggestions that are easier to read, and with more familiar references for patient and caregiver. I would personally not recommend this book.

Review provided by Lorraine Welch – Volunteer, Alzheimer Society of B.C.