Friday, September 16, 2016

Keeping Love Alive as Memories Fade: The 5 Love Languages and the Alzheimer's Journey by Gary Chapman, Edward G. Shaw, Debbie Barr

★★★★★  The publisher provided a copy for review
Whether our loved one is affected by Alzheimers or brain injury or cancer or other traumas, we want to express love to them in ways they can understand. This much-needed manual encourages and supports those affected by Alzheimers and other dementia.

We remember how they were. How we hoped they'd grow old with us, sharing memories and relationships until death parts us.

But what do we do when they begin to fade away, to slip into not knowing us and not remembering? When they no longer are the loving spouse, parent, sibling, or friend we have loved and depended on?

This book opens with a heart-wrenching story of early-onset Alzheimers, the same illness that affects my cousin. Liana is closest in age to me among our cousins. She's always been there, always been organized, on top of things, and outgoing. Now she is in full-blown illness and our family is forever changed. Her loving husband and children take care of her, along with daytime caregivers who make sure she eats and doesn't wander off.

The authos define key terms, stages, and other facts about the progression of dementia. They show how caregivers can express their love in 5 "love languages" that can be understood by patients at any stage of deterioration or plateau.

For caregivers and supporting family and friends, I highly recommend this book as workbook, reassurance that you are not alone. You're making a difference. This text will help you express ongoing care and love to someone who is slipping away.

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