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Activities for the Alzheimer's Patient

Alzheimer's Activities: Hundreds of Activities for Men and Women with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders
by B.J. Fitzray
Windsor, CA: Rayve Productions, 2001.
This book includes creative ideas for special-occasion and everyday activities, caregiver's anecdotes, helpful tips and encouragement.

Alzheimer's Disease: Activity-Focused Care
by Carly R. Hellen
Boston, MA: Andover Medical Publishers, 1992.
Order by phone by calling toll-free 1-800-366-2665.
This manual addresses the growing need to provide family and professional caregivers with innovative and practical interventions that allow Alzheimer's patients to maintain a purposeful quality of life.

Failure-Free Activities for the Alzheimer's Patient: A Guidebook for Caregivers
by Carmel Sheridan
Oakland, CA: Cottage Books, 1987.
Offers simple activities that can help reinforce the patient's self-esteem while relieving boredom and frustration.

Sensory Stimulation Catalogue
Radium Spring, NM Geriatric Resources, Inc., 1995.
Call 1-800-359-0390 to request the catalogue.
They publish a catalogue called Sensory Stimulation Products especially for people with dementia.

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Biography

Death in Slow Motion: My Mother's Descent into Alzheimer's
by Eleanor Cooney
New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers Inc., 2003
The author documents the slow erosion of her mother’s mind, the power bond the two shared, and her own decent into drink and despair.

Facing Alzheimer's: Family Caregivers Speak
by Patricia Brown Coughlan
Lincoln, NE: iUniverse, Inc., 2000.
Eight women whose husbands were afflicted with Alzheimer's talk frankly about the painful situations they faced and the decisions they had to make.

Living In the Labyrinth: A Personal Journey Through the Maze of Alzheimer's
by Diana Friel McGowan
San Francisco, CA: Elder Books, 1993.
Ms. McGowan relates with honesty and humor how Alzheimer's has affected her life and her relationships. She discusses her early depression about her diagnosis and how she learned to make adjustments that eventually led to her ability to make the most of her remaining life and memories.

Losing My Mind: An Intimate Look at Life with Alzheimer's
by Thomas DeBaggio
New York, NY: The Free Press/Simon & Schuster, 2002.
Losing My Mind is a first-person account of the author's early experience with Alzheimer's disease and its effect on his life and his family.

My Mother's Voice
by Sally Callahan
Forest Knolls, CA: Elder Books, 2000.
My Mother's Voice is a daughter's tribute to her mother who had Alzheimer's disease.

Speaking Our Minds: Personal Reflections from Individuals With Alzheimer
by Lisa Snyder
New York, NY: W.H. Freeman & Co., 2000.
In Speaking Our Minds , seven diagnosed individuals of various ages and backgrounds express their thoughts and feelings about what it is like to have Alzheimer's disease, to live with it day to day, and to cope with its impact on their lives. Although afflicted with the same disease, each person's experience is unique. Told with honesty and insight, their stories cover personal history, diagnosis, family and social interactions, philosophical and religious perspectives, and the many neurological and pychological dimensions of the disease that permeate their lives.

Show Me the Way to Go Home
By Larry Rose
Forest Knolls, CA: Elder Books, 1996.
Larry Rose, whose son described him as "an independent, witty, rugged individualist who is also the cleverest, funniest man I ever knew" was diagnosed with Alzheimer's at 53. Mr. Rose's warmth and humor definitely shine through in this autobiography as he recounts his experiences of living with Alzheimer's. His lively writing style makes this book a highly engaging one to read.

The Diminished Mind: One Family's Extraordinary Battle with Alzheimer's Disease: The Jean Tyler Story
by Harry Anifontokis
Boston, MA: G.K. Hall, 1993.
The touching real-life story of Manley Tyler, who developed Alzheimer's disease at the age of 42, as seen through the eyes of his wife, Jean Tyler. This book shows how one family navigated their way through fifteen years of dealing with early-onset Alzheimer's. Published in large print.

The Long Good Night: My Father's Journey into Alzheimer's
by Daphne Simpkins
Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2003
The author chronicles the slow, heartbreaking decline of her father. It is a powerful portrait of a close family whose bonds are strained but ultimately strengthened by the challenge of caring for him.

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Caregiving

A Caregiver's Guide to Alzheimer's Disease
by Patricia R. Callone, Barbara C. Vasiloff, Roger A. Brumback, Janaan Manternach, and Connie Kudlacek
New York, NY, Demos Medical Publishing, LLC, 2005.
This book will help readers understand what is physically happening to the brain so they can empower their own special skills and talents throughout the disease process. The book is divided into three sections that correspond to the progression of Alzheimer's and the unique challenges encountered at each stage.
For more information, please visit the following webiste: www.demosmedpub.com/book186.html

Alzheimer's: A Caregiver's Guide and Sourcebook
by Howard Gruetzner
New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1992.
Guide to a better understanding of the physiological and psychological characteristics of the disease, of the progressive stages of the disease, and of ways to cope with the demands of caring for an Alzheimer's patient.
Available from the American Health Assistance Foundation at a reduced price.
To order, call 1-800-437-2423.

Alzheimer's Disease: A Handbook for Caregivers
by Ronald C. Hamdy
St. Louis, MO: Mosby-Year Book, Inc., 1990.
Contains information about the effects of Alzheimer's disease on the patient's day-to-day life. Offers a detailed description of the stages of the disease, options for treatment, and effects of other mental and physical characteristics on expression of Alzheimer's disease. Also, suggestions for approaching nutrition, sleep habits and therapy.

Alzheimer’s Disease: A Handbook for Caregivers, Family, and Friends
by Patricia R. Callone, Barbara C. Vasiloff, Roger A. Brumback, Janaan Manternach, and Connie Kudlacek
New York, NY, Demos Medical Publishing, LLC, 2005.
This publication is written in a workbook-type format aimed at increasing the caregiver's knowledge of the disease. As a result, these caregivers—whether family members, friends or health professionals—will be better equipped to nurture the dignity within people living with Alzheimer's and feel more confident doing so.
For more information, please visit the following webiste: www.demosmedpub.com/book170.html

Caring for an Alzheimer's Patient: A Family Guide
American Health Assistance Foundation. 1994, revised 1998.
This 34-page booklet discusses the issues involved in caring for an Alzheimer's patient, including family involvement, tips for creating a safe home environment, and support groups and respite care options for caregivers of Alzheimer's patients. To order, call 1-800-437-2423.

Care for the Caregiver: Managing Stress
American Health Assistance Foundation, 2005
This 12-page brochure discusses the warning signs of stress, how to recognize what you can and cannot change, and strategies to reduce stress.
To order, call 1-800-437-2423

Coping With Alzheimer's
by Rose Oliver, Ph.D. and Frances A. Bock, Ph.D.
New York, NY: Dodd, Mead & Co., 1987.
This book focuses on the emotional aspects of caregiving: denial, anger, anxiety, stress-and how to cope with them. Using Rational Emotive Therapy (RET), a theory of human emotions and psychotherapy, the author shows the caregiver how to identify and change dysfunctional emotional and behavioral responses to caring for an Alzheimer's patient. It is designed to help caregivers accept a loved one's Alzheimer's disease and maximize the quality of care while minimizing the emotional cost.

Creating Moments of Joy for the Person with Alzheimer's or Dementia: A Journal for Caregivers
by Jolene Brackey
Ashland, OH: Purdue University Press, September 2000.
This book is a resource for caregivers providing advice on handling the challenges of caregiving and effectively coping with dementia.

How to Care for Your Parents: A Handbook for Adult Children
by Nora Jean Levin
Harbor, WA: Storm King Press, 1993.
This handbook provides definitions, facts, and useful tips concerning choices and support services.
To order, call (360) 378-3910.

In Search of the Alzheimer's Wanderer: A Workbook to Protect Your Loved One
by Mark Warner
West Lafayette, IN: Purdue University Press, 2005
In workbook form, In Search of the Alzheimer’s Wanderer outlines steps that families can take to find their loved ones if they are discovered missing. This book is an invaluable tool providing answers that could save lives.

Learning to Speak Alzheimer's: A Groundbreaking Approach for Everyone Dealing with the Disease
by Joanne Koenig Coste
New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2004
This book offers a practical approach to the emotional well-being of both patients and caregivers that emphasizes relating to patients in their own reality. Her accessible and comprehensive method, which she calls habilitation, works to enhance communication between caregivers and patients.

Management of Challenging Behaviors in Dementia
by Ellen K. Mahoney, Ladislav Volicer, Ann C. Hurley
Boston, MA: Health Professions Press, 1st edition, 2000.
The Boston College School of Nursing, MA presents a care philosophy describing proven ways to reduce or eliminate challenging behaviors by addressing their underlying causes within four critical areas: caregiving practices, physical and social environments, and medical treatment.

Managing Grief & Bereavement
by Edna L. Ballard, ACSW Duke Family Support Program, 1990.
A guide for families and professionals caring for memory-impaired adults and other chronically ill persons, the booklet includes dealing with grief experienced before the patient's death as well as following the death of the patient.
To order call (919)-660-7510.

The 36-Hour Day. A Family Guide to Caring for Persons with Alzheimer's Disease, Related Dementing Illnesses, and Memory Loss Later in Life (revised edition)
by Nancy L. Mace, M.A. and Peter V Rabins, M.D., M.PH.
Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1991.
A comprehensive book on caring for an Alzheimer's disease patient.

Staying Connected While Letting Go: The Paradox of Alzheimer's Caregiving
by Sandy Braff, Mary Rose Olenik
New York, NY: M. Evans & Co., 2003.
This book is filled with poignant stories and focuses on the emotional impact of this disease on the caregivers.

Staying Safe: Wandering & the Alzheimer's Patient
American Health Assistance Foundation, 2005
This seven-page brochure discusses wandering, how to prevent the behavior, and what to do if a person is missing.
To order, call 1-800-437-2423

The Long Road Called Goodbye: Tracing the Course of Alzheimer's
by Charlotte A. Akin
Omaha, NE: Creighton University Press, 2000.
The Long Road Called Goodbye is part clinical case study and part family journal, which documents one family's thirteen-year struggle with Alzheimer's. The book will be of interest to professionals who work with Alzheimer's patients, including physicians, staff at care-giving facilities, and state agencies, as well as to families who struggle with this disease.

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
New York, NY: The Putnam Publishing Group, 2000.
A comprensive guide to the care and possible prevention of Alzheimer's disease. Written for cargivers and anyone else who has been touched by Alzheimer's disease.

When Your Loved One Has Alzheimer's: A Caregiver's Guide
by David L. Carroll
New York, NY: Harper and Row, 1989.
Covers everything from an explanation of Alzheimer's disease to diagnosis to the needs of the caregiver.

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Death and Dying

Affairs in Order: A Complete Resource Guide to Death and Dying
by Patricia Anderson
New York: Macmillan Publishing Co., 1989.
A complete guide to making preparations for death, including the making of wills and other financial matters, making advance medical directives, choosing end-of-life care, and finding a support group for yourself and your loved ones.

The Art of Dying: How to Leave This World With Dignity and Grace, At Peace with Yourself and Loved Ones
by Patricia Weenolsen, Ph.D.
New York, NY: St. Martin's Press, 1996.
The tone of this book is practical and encouraging as it leads terminally ill patients through the maze of personal issues that confront one near the end of life. Those issues range from emotional concerns about loved ones, reconciliations, and the daily roller coaster of highs and lows to thoughts about the loss of control, loss of identity, the need for meaning, and spiritual concerns about what dying is like and what happens "next."

Conversations at Midnight: Coming to Terms with Death and Dying
by Herbert and Kay Kramer
William Morrow and Company, Inc., 1993.
A first-person account by Herbert Kramer, a cancer patient, written with Kay Kramer, his wife and a therapist who has helped hundreds of patients and their loved ones come to terms with dying and death. The book is framed by a series of conversations between Herbert and Kay wherein they lovingly explore the practical, social, psychological, and spiritual issues brought forth by Herbert's dying.

Death: The Final Stage of Growth
edited by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, M.D.
New York, NY: Simon & Schuster, 1986.
Elisabeth Kubler-Ross is a medical doctor, psychiatrist, and internationally known specialist on the social and psychological aspects of dying. Here Dr Kubler-Ross explores several culturally influenced responses to dying along with the personal stories and writings of terminally ill patients.

In the Midst of Winter: Selections from the Literature of Mourning
edited by Jane Moffat
New York: Random House, 1982.
Selections from the writings of great writers throughout the ages on the subjects of death and mourning.

On Death and Dying
by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, M.D.
New York, NY: Macmillan Publishing Co., 1993.
This book includes in-depth discussions of the stages of coping with a terminal diagnosis, some therapies for the terminally ill, and interviews with terminally ill patients.

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Financial and Legal Matters

Alzheimer's Disease: Legal and Financial Facts You Should Know
American Health Assistance Foundation, 1994, revised 1998.
This 18-page booklet gives an overview of the legal and financial issues Alzheimer's patients and their families will face as the disease progresses. The booklet offers information on Medicare, Medicaid, supplementary insurance and other topics as they pertain to Alzheimer's patients.
To order, call 1-800-437-2423.

Before You Buy: A Guide to Long-Term Care Insurance
Washington, D.C.: American Association of Retired Persons. 1994.
This brochure is designed to help the consumer understand how the costs of long-term care are paid, the benefits and limitations of Medicaid's coverage of long-term care, and what private long-term care insurance options exist. It answers questions about who needs long-term care insurance and highlights features of policies. It also includes worksheets that help consumers assess their need for long-term care insurance, and determine what services are available to them at what cost.
Available free of charge by calling (202) 434-2277 in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, or 1-800-424-3410 outside the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

Consumer's Guide to Long-Term Care Insurance
Washington, D.C.: Health Insurance Association of America. 1989.
This booklet provides information for the general public on selecting long-term care insurance. It defines long-term care, gives statistics on the chances of needing long-term care, and lists cost estimates. A glossary and a checklist for the comparison of policies are included.
To order call (202) 824-1844. Single copies are free.

Guide to Health Insurance for People with Medicare
Baltimore, MD: Health Care Financing Administration Publications, 1999
Other publications include The Medicare Handbook, Medicare and You, and Medicare and Medicaid.
To order, call (410) 786-7843.

The following publications can be ordered from AARP at: AARP Fullfillment, 601 E Street, NW,Washington, D.C. 20049

Making Medicare Choices
Publication D-16747
This booklet provides information about comparing Medicare options, including traditional Medicare, managed care, and other health plans, to help in your decision process.

Medicare Basics
Publication D-16812
This booklet provides basic information about Medicare, and will help you understand what services you're entitled to receive.

Selecting Medicare Supplemental Insurance
Publication D-16183
This booklet is designed for people who have traditional Medicare and want to learn more and make educated decisions about how to cover their health care costs with Medigap insurance.

Your Medicare Rights
This booklet provides information to help you understand your rights as a Medicare recipient to that you can obtain the health care that you need.

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For Families

Alzheimer's Disease: The ABC's of Diagnosis
American Health Assistance Foundation, 1994.
This 18-page booklet outlines the process and problems involved in making a diagnosis of probable Alzheimer's disease (the disease cannot be diagnosed with 100% accuracy until an autopsy is performed). It also discusses what to do once a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease has been made.
To order, call 1-800-437-2423.

Alzheimer's Disease
by Elaine Landau, 1996.

Alzheimer's Disease: The Silent Epidemic
by Julia Frank, 1985.

A Beautiful Pearl
by Nancy Whitelaw, Whitman, 1991.

Facts About Alzheimer's Disease
by Laurie Beckelman, 1990.

Fading Memories: An Adolescent's Guide to Alzheimer's Disease
American Health Assistance Foundation, 1997.
This book was written by and for adolescents to help cope with having a loved one with Alzheimer's.
To order, call 1-800-437-2423.

Through Tara's Eye's: Helping Children Cope with Alzheimer's Disease
American Health Assistance Foundation, 1995.
This 37-page, illustrated book was created to aid in explaining Alzheimer's disease to elementary school children. The story follows the changing relationship between a young girl and her grandmother, who has Alzheimer's disease. At the end of the book there are a variety of activities to be completed interactively with an adult. The book should be read to children by a parent, teacher, guidance counselor or other adult.
To order, call 1-800-437-2423.

Grandma's Soup
by Nancy Faye Karkowsky, 1989.

Understanding Alzheimer's Disease
American Health Assistance Foundation.
This six-panel brochure outlines the general stages of Alzheimer's disease and answers some of the most commonly asked questions about the disease.
To order, call 1-800-437-2423.

Visiting Mom: An Unexpected Gift
by Sherry M. Bell
Sedona, AZ: Elder Press, Inc., 2nd edition, 2000.
Visiting Mom: An Unexpected Gift focuses on the "visiting experience" as it relates to elders. She goes beyond her personal experience by asking the reader to examine their own relationship with aging family members and then she suggests creative things to do and say during a visit.

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General Information

For Sasha, With Love: An Alzheimer's Crusade, The Anne Bashkiroff Story
by Gail Holland. 1985.
Reveals the cost of Alzheimer's disease in emotional terms, and the unique problem of a married Alzheimer's victim and the journey of the well spouse. Anne Bashkiroff, who now heads Family Survival Project, offers special support and hope to families and friends of all brain-damaged victims.

Honest Answers for the Recently Diagnosed Alzheimer Patient
American Health Assistance Foundation, 1998.
This 43-page booklet clearly answers questions that a recently diagnosed Alzheimer's patient would have. Issues concerning the causes and stages of the disease are discussed, as well as treatment options. There are suggestions for how to tell your family about your illness and discussions about the primary caregiver, employment issues, and legal assistance. In addition, there are helpful sections concerning support groups, important websites, helpful books, and organizations to contact for assistance.
To order, call 1-800-437-2423.

Loosing a Million Minds: Confronting the Tragedy of Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias
Congressional Summary. April 1987.
United States Congress - Office of Technology Assessment.
Covers everything from diagnosis, treatment, long-term care, finances, research policy, patient assessment and eligibility for services and programs and services that specialize in care of Alzheimer's disease.

The Complete Guide to Alzheimer's-Proofing Your Home (Revised Edition)
by Mark L. Warner
Ashland, OH: Purdue University Press, Revised & Updated edition, 2000.
Written by a practicing architect and gerontologist, this book shows you how to create a home environment that will help you cope with the many difficulties associated with Alzheimer's disease.

The Loss of Self (Revised Edition)
by Donna Cohen, Ph.D. and Carl Eisdorfer, Ph.D., M.D.
New York: The New American Library, 1994.
Comprehensive book that covers obtaining accurate diagnosis, drugs proven to help in managing Alzheimer's, how to deal with legal and financial issues, choosing a nursing home, and emotional needs of families and patients. Gives examples of how families and patients have coped with Alzheimer's disease.

Love Is Ageless: Stories About Alzheimer's Disease (2nd Edition)
by Jessica Bryan
Felton, CA: Lompico Creek Press, 2nd Revision edition, 2002.
This collection of stories and poetry presents a variety of personal experiences with Alzheimer's disease. Together, the pieces in this book comprise a compassionate, humorous, and loving picture of people caught in a struggle against loss.

The Progress Report on Alzheimer's Disease
National Institute of Health, National Institute on Aging.
These NIH annual reports summarize recent research and developments in the study of Alzheimer's disease. Published annually. Available from the Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center, P.0. Box 8250, Silver Spring, MD 20907-8250.
For the most up-to-date research findings, check their website at http://www.alzheimers.org/adear
To order, call 1-800-438-4380.

The Vanishing Mind: A Practical Guide to Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias
by Leonard Heston, 1991.
Provides answers to questions about the difference between dementia and normal aging, how dementia is diagnosed, how other elderly afflictions interact with dementia, and how to manage and treat dementia. The book helps the caregiver make realistic plans for proper care, including driving, medical coverage, legal competence and supervision. The book also gives clear scientific descriptions of dementia-related disorders.

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Long-term Care

Beat the Nursing Home Trap
by J. Matthews  
Nob Press, Berkeley, CA 1997.
This guide provides practical information about understanding, choosing and financing long-term care for the elderly. It describes the options available for long-term care, and includes a special warning about nursing home insurance policies - many often leave patients with Alzheimer's disease without coverage, even when the policy claims it specifically covers the disease.
To order, call (415) 549-1976 or 1-800-992-6656.

Guide to Choosing a Nursing Home
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services/Health Care Financing Administration, 1997. Write to them at 6325 Security Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21207. To obtain a copy, write and request publication No. HCFA-02 1 74. Free of charge.

Long-Term Care: A Dollar and Sense Guide
by S.E. Polniaszek and D. Lewis
Washington, D.C.: United Seniors Health Cooperative, 1991.
This guide helps consumers understand financing options in long-term care and make decisions that best meet their needs. The first section explores ways of planning for long-term care in the home. The second section is about planning for nursing home care. A table showing 1991 changes in Medicare coverage is also included.
To order, call (202) 393-6222

The Validation Breakthrough: Simple Techniques for Communicating with People with 'Alzheimer's-Type Dementia'
by Naomi Feil , Vicki De Klerk-Rubin , Vicki De Klerk-Rubin
Boston, MA: Health Professions Press, 2nd edition, 2002.
Resource for families, friends, neighbors, home health aids, and others working with people with dementia. Presents simple techniques to reduce care giver burnout and improve the life of the person with dementia.

Nursing Home Life: A Guide for Residents and Families
American Association of Retired Persons, 1991. Available from AARP Fulfillment. 601 E Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20049. Publication #D13063. Single copy free.
Provides information to consumers as they search for a nursing home, arrange for admission, and adjust to life in the home after admission. Making the decision to seek nursing home care and selecting a home can be a difficult, often emotional, process. The guide discusses how to assess individual needs in choosing a nursing home, the services and staff at a nursing home, and issues of poor care and abuse. An abridged Spanish version of this guide is also available.

The Hardest Choice: Selecting a Nursing Home for an Alzheimer's Patient
American Health Assistance Foundation, 1994.
This 21-page booklet gives family members of Alzheimer's patients an initial overview of the process and issues to consider when choosing a nursing home for their loved one.
To order, call 1-800- 437-2423

Tips on Long-Term Nursing Home Care
Arlington, VA: Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc., 1989.
Offers tips to people who help relatives or friends make the decision to enter a nursing home.
To order, call (703) 276-0100.

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