More than 55 million people around the world live with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. This number is set to almost double every 20 years, and by 2030, it is expected to reach a height of almost 80 million people. This growing incidence means that nearly every person comes into contact with a person who suffers from these diseases at some point in their lives.
Here are some important reasons to represent Alzheimer’s and Dementia in books, as well as examples of books that are great starts for anyone who wants to educate themselves about these diseases.
Reasons For Representation
The stigma surrounding Alzheimer’s and dementia often leads to lapses in diagnostics and care. If people are aware of the symptoms, the early warning signs, and the triggers, it makes it easier to recognize these diseases as well as provide adequate care and treatment at the onset.
Additionally, brain diseases are degenerative in nature, and people who suffer slowly lose cognitive abilities. For people who are already going through the slow torture of losing their identity, the lack of acceptance that stems from people not being aware of these diseases puts a larger strain on their mental health.
People don’t know the toll it takes on those whose lives are affected by these diseases. Books provide an insight into their lives. By being put in the shoes of those affected, readers can empathize and understand the terrible challenges of dementia.
Additionally, books provide validation. Not only to those with the diseases but also to their caregivers. Caregivers find solace in the fact that there are others in the same predicament. Books can also give valuable insight and coping strategies.
3. Memoirs To Educate On Alzheimer’s and Dementia
The 36 hour day: A Family Guide To Caring For People With Alzheimer’s Disease And Other Dementias by Nancy L. Mace and Peter V. Rabins
Although not exactly a memoir, this book is a recommended read for anybody associated with Dementia and Alzheimer’s. It provides great insight into coping strategies and also has several personal stories of people who have lived with people suffering from these diseases.
Somebody I used To Know: A Memoir by Wendy Mitchell
Wendy Mitchell was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s at the young age of 58. She shares her experiences living with the disease from such a young age and provides a glimpse into her struggles going through life with such a tormenting disease.
The Living End: A Memoir Of Forgetting And Forgiving by Robert Leleux
In this memoir, Robert Leleux tells his journey of being a caregiver to his mother, who was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s. The book is raw and honest about his mental and physical struggles over the years.
4. Helplines and Support Groups
The Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association provides several types of support for those living with these diseases as well as for their loved ones. They have message boards and an online community where people affected can talk and have group discussions virtually. It is called ALZConnected. It is completely free of charge and open to people from all over the world. They also offer several in-person meetings and discussions, which are primarily in Nothern California and Nothern Nevada. People can also use their toll-free 24/7 helpline– 800.272.3900. They have support staff who speak English, Chinese, Spanish, Hindi, and several other languages.
UCSF Memory and Aging Center
The UCSF Memory and Aging Center offers two types of support groups. The first is for those with Early Onset Alzheimers. Meetings are conducted via Zoom twice a month for 8 weeks. The second is the Dementia Family Caregiving Group: Living With Dementia. This support group is free of charge and is co-sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association. It is meant for family and friends of those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) also provides several types of support for those affected by Alzheimer’s and Dementia. The AFA Helpline is available 7 days a week for 12 hours a day. Licensed social workers who specialize in these diseases are constantly available for support on call (866-232-8484) as well as by text, (646)-586-5283. In addition to this, they provide several weekly support groups that take place via telephone.
Memory Cafe
Memory Cafe also provides several different types of support groups. They have in-person meetings across seven different countries and several online meetings as well. These support groups are educational; some are activity based. All in all, these groups provide people affected by the disease with a loving and welcoming community to provide ease through their journey battling brain diseases.
Alzheimer’s and Dementia affect millions of families all around the world. The challenges they face every day are insurmountable. Whether you have been affected by it or not, it is our duty to educate ourselves on these diseases, and books make for a great way to do it!
To read more on educating yourself on various illnesses and diseases or using books to get through them, click here!