A Personal Guide to Living with Progressive Memory Loss

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"It's a very come and go disease," writes Cary Henderson, a man with Alzheimer's Disease. "When I make a blunder, I tend to get defensive about it. I have a sense of shame for not knowing what I should have known. And, for not being able to think things and see things that I saw several years ago, when I was a 'normal' person. But everybody, by this time, knows that I'm not a normal person. And I'm quite aware of that."

Henderson is not alone. According to Alzheimer's Disease International there are an estimated 24 million people with dementia worldwide, and by 2040 it is projected that this figure will have increased to 81 million. In addition, the Alzheimer's Association reports that every 72 seconds someone develops the disease. In response, expert gerontological nurses Sandy Burgener and Prudence Twigg have collaborated to produce a uniquely-focused, incredibly informative and thoughtful book entitled A Personal Guide to Living with Progressive Memory Loss [October 2007, Jessica Kingsley Publishers, $21.95, 978-1-84310-863-4].

Burgener and Twigg's book is a landmark self-help book that has the potential to become the personal guide recommended by health professionals for persons diagnosed with dementia. Although its contents are clinically and empirically based, the book is highly readable and practical, and provides broad treatment options. Dr. John Keady, Professor of Older People's Mental Health and Nursing at the University of Manchester, writes, "The book empowers people living with dementia, signposting hope, choice, and a life to be lived. I wholeheartedly recommend it."

This book provides practical guidance for coping with progressive memory loss, and includes examples of real people who have faced similar challenges. These stories highlight both good and bad ways to deal with the problems that arise, and are also useful for describing the experiences of memory loss to friends and family. The authors suggest ways of maintaining physical and mental health, and they also offer techniques for improving communication, preserving self-esteem, and overcoming the stigma associated with memory loss. Perhaps, most important, Burgener and Twigg provide hope for the millions of people with progressive memory loss. They write, "Finding and holding on to hope prevents the bleak days from taking over your life. Hope allows you to look to the future with promise. Hope lets you continue to celebrate who you are as a person."

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