Chicken Soup for the Soul: Living with Alzheimer's & Other Dementias: 101 Stories of Caregiving, Coping, and Compassion

by Amy Newmark, Angela Timashenka Geiger

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia? You are not alone. With 101 encouraging and inspiring stories by others like you, this book is a source of support and encouragement throughout your caregiving journey.

Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia affect millions of people, and this book is especially for caregivers. This collection, a joint project with the Alzheimer's Association, is filled with 101 stories of love and lessons from others like you, will support and encourage you as you care for your loved one.

Genres: Nonfiction, Medical, Health

369 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 22, 2014

About the author

Amy Newmark is the bestselling author, editor-in-chief, and publisher of the Chicken Soup for the Soul book series. Since 2008, she has published 191 new Chicken Soup for the Soul titles, most of them national bestsellers in the U.S. and Canada, more than doubling the number of Chicken Soup for the Soul titles in print today.

Amy is credited with revitalizing the Chicken Soup for the Soul brand, which has been a publishing industry phenomenon since the first book came out in 1993. By compiling inspirational and aspirational true stories curated from ordinary people who have had extraordinary experiences, Amy has kept the thirty-year-old Chicken Soup for the Soul brand fresh and relevant.

Follow Amy on Twitter @amynewmark. Listen to her free podcast, The Chicken Soup for the Soul Podcast, on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, the Podcasts app on iPhone, or by using your favorite podcast app on other devices.

Reviews

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a contributor to this book. My story is called Shopping For Nursing Homes. I received my early copies and ordered an extra case because I knew this is a book that I would want to share with others. Once you know someone who has any type of dementia it is almost like you share a bond with that family, friend, or stranger sitting in the booth behind you at a restaurant. I sat down to read a few stories and just kept turning the pages. My mother had Alzheimer's and I found myself identifying and agreeing with so many of the stories. It is filled with advice, simple strategies I had not thought of, and comfort.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me a long time to make my way through this book. So many of the stories touched my heart, and often left me in tears. But the overall emotional experience is one of shared love and compassion, despite the cruelty of this disease. Once a family member is able to accept living in the reality of the Alzheimer's patient's world and give up on thinking it is "important" to be personally recognized or remembered by their loved one, there can still be moments of wonder and even delight. I especially loved the section about discovering new ways to make connections. I also appreciated being able to experience what other families have witnessed and to know what behaviors are the "norm" during the progression of this disease. I am going to pass this book on to the nurses who have cared for my mom at Loretto -- I will always be grateful that we were lucky enough to find caregivers who are not only professional, but also sincerely loving and kind souls.

[Julie Staffen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a contributor to this book and received early copies.
I sat down just before lunch to "glance" at it and ended up reading for hours and missing lunch. I learned something new from each story. My father had Alzheimer's and it can be very lonely for the caregiver. I think this book will bring great comfort to caregivers and let them know they are not alone. It was hard to know how to respond when my father looked me in the eye and asked me who my parents were. Many of the stories shared thoughts on how to respond and react to these questions. I searched everywhere for this type of information and I am happy that Chicken Soup for the Soul created this book so caregivers and family members will have one source to find so many helpful stories.

[Charlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book may be a helpful read for many people who are trying to deal with a family member with Alzheimer's or other Dementia.

Each contribution (from as many as one hundred people, I think) is only a few pages long. There are a few stories, or just sayings from them, that I plan to note whether or not I borrow this book from the local library again. This is almost all anecdotal, not technical, and there are different perspective expressed by the individual writers.

Living for the last approximately seven years from when my husband exhibited signs of early-onset Alzheimer's Disease (he was diagnosed six years ago and had to retire from teaching within six weeks), I hope that this book can help others who are trying to discover the best path their families should take as they face the future together.

The biggest things I'm taking away from reading this is confirmation that renewing my series of Orchestra tickets for next year is a good thing to do -- music is one place my husband can still participate in his own way, and I hope this time next year, I'll still be able to say the same thing.

Good music is therapy for me, too, meanwhile!

[Mary]

This is not a review but a regret.

I wish I'd have known of this book while my husband was dwindling with dementia. Everyone, including one's doctors, say "take care of yourself" to the caregivers. They don't say how. Taking care of the one with dementia is all-consuming. Self doesn't fit into that equation. The COVID demise of Adult Daycare was a crisis. ADARC services gave lists of references & seminars to learn more about how to care for ... . The adult daycare list was not up-to-date. It vanished during COVID. Social services had no answers .......... Chicken Soup books have always always been understanding and uplifting in difficult circumstances. I'm absolutely sure this would have helped lift the burden & perhaps the weight of sorrow while tending to the needs of a dearly loved one as a 24/7 caretaker.

I cannot say this more firmly. Caretaker Burnout is REAL, to be taken seriously. I boldly marched on and should not have been surprised to find myself in the hospital, too weak to fight off a serious infection. I have absolutely no doubt what-so-ever that this priceless edition of Chicken Soup for the Soul should be on the recommended lists of every social worker, dementia specialist, ADARC services & doctors who deal with this disease. Saying "be sure to take care of yourself" is not enough.

I'd like to read this book someday. As soon as I stop crying for the loss of my precious husband and the struggles we & our kids went through.

[Joseph Sunderland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Help and understanding.

This book can provide help for those who have a loved one going through this terrible disease. Having lost a parent due to this and seeing many of my cousins having to go through the same heartache with the parent who was a sibling to my mom, I know first hand how difficult it can be. This is a book that can provide help and understanding of the disease and how you can better deal with it. My mom's younger sister is the only sibling alive and my cousins are dealing with her Alzheimer's now. This book will help them to cope better.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I initially read this book to help me at my new job (I work as an Assistant Activities Director for a nursing home) and what I found was a lot of heartwarming stories! I feel this book has opened my eyes to the challenges all sorts of caregivers face and how we all face challenging days. I’m glad I read this book and will take all these lessons with me as I continue to learn and grow in my new job!

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can relate to many of the stories in this book. My mother passed away from dementia in 2023, and some of the memories it brought back are still painful. My heart goes out to anyone caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s. This quote in the book resonated with me: “A mother’s hug lasts long after she lets go.” - Unknown Author.

It took me a while to read the book, but I found the stories to be well-written.

[Louise M · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book should never have been published. This book is taking advantage of vulnerable people. Do not buy it. If someone gives it to you, throw it in the bin. Why? Because the stories have been editted so that every type of dementia is renamed Alzheimers, even when it most obviously is not. An accurate diagnosis of Alzheimers can only be made after death. The stories in this book are about people with forms of dementia, not Alzheimers.

[Rafaela Morillas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A reality check for caretakers...

If you are looking for help with YOUR feelings as you struggle with a loved one dealing with Alzheimer's... This book is a lifeline. Be prepared to laugh and cry - sometimes at the same time. For the first time in many months, I feel like I have a friend who understands and wants the best for me as well.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an awesome resource for anyone caring for a family member, friend or client with any sort of Dementia. So many compassionate stories that give encouragement and tips for the caregiver. I will always recommend this as a go-to Alzheimer's help book. Thank you to all of the participants for being so honest and heartfelt in their additions to the book.

[S · Rating 3 out of 5]

“The only thing that mattered at that point was that it was a memory. And there weren’t many of those left- so we cherished it”

Mostly unrelatable and mostly sad...but also pockets of happy sadness...a reminder of the love that first exists in order to create such a grief...

[Dr. Harold (Jack) McLaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for anyone just being exposed to the disease, how to identify the disease characteristics and how they advance in time...what to expect when they happen and how to contend with them and your loved ones.

Harold J. McLaughlin, Ph.D.

[Sarah Foran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great stories that are highly relatable for anyone living or caring for a loved one with dementia. This book is almost therapeutic as I was able to relate to a lot of the stories shared. Definitely recommend to anyone with a loved one who is navigating the uncharted territory of memory loss.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming and thoughtful glimpses into lives touched by Alzheimer’s disease.

[BARBARA A MITTLESTEAD]

Very enlightening!

[Lyn Mether- fairbairn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book, very moving stories.

[Lindsey Silvestrini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Today is a very difficult day for my family as we move my dad into a facility to care for him as he is in the end stages of Dementia. I knew when I saw Chicken Soup's latest Living with Alzheimer's and Other Dementias that it would be a very personal and emotional read for me.

The Chicken Soup series are designed to do for the spirit what chicken soup does for the body when we are sick. It gives warmth, comfort and care when you need it. I'm going to pass this along to my mom for comfort in the days ahead. I think it helps to know that other people have been there and had to make difficult decisions regarding the care of their loved ones.

I think seeing my parents go through this experience together made the "In Sickness and in Health" sections one of my favorites. My other favorite section was "The Special Bond with Grandchildren." My dad was diagnosed with dementia before my middle child Paige was even born. Now at four years old, she doesn't remember Grandpa the way he is. This Grandpa is all she's ever known. She connects and plays with Grandpa without really realizing anything is wrong.

My dad has a specific kind of dementia that has affected his language so he can't really talk anymore. My oldest asked "why can't I understand Grandpa anymore?" And sweet Paige said "I understand him just fine!" My dad got a small little smile on his face and I knew he understood. Paige has a special connection with Grandpa and can be with him without insecurity or the awkwardness that adults experience.

Chicken Soup for the Soul Living with Alzheimer's and Other Dementia's was very healing for me to read right now and I hope it does the same for my mom. It would be a really special gift for anyone affected by this to read.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm honored to be a contributor to this inspiring book. As I read the various essays, I found myself relating to so many of them. I lost my mom to Alzheimer's almost two years ago. While I would never wish this illness on anyone, there is a sense of comfort in knowing I'm not the only one who has experienced its wrath or felt the roller coaster of emotions that accompanies watching a loved one slowly fade away. Many of the stories are uplifting examples of faith, hope, and courage...the strength of the human spirit - even when pushed to the brink of what we think we can weather - is incredible.

[Kathleen Wheeler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this, so many stories rang true for me dealing with my own mother through this disease. I think this book can be very helpful for those dealing with a loved one afflicted with dementia. It is such a long, hard road to travel, and the more people know about it, the better. I particularly liked the stories in the "New Ways to Make Connections" section as heartwarming and inspirational for ways to get through to a person trapped by dementia. I appreciate all the writers sharing their experiences.

[Townsville Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Find Dementia Awareness books in Townsville

[Jacob Blanck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read those stories about people living with dementia. A caregiver can help anyone who is forgetful. Wow, those stories are inspirational. I checked out from the library. A really good book for any caregiver to buy if someone has Alzheimer's. Luckily, none of my family has it so I'm researching about Alzheimers.

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful stories -- heartbreaking, but encouraging, too.

[Julia Nixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only is this book interesting and inspirational, but it it is filled with useful information.

[Chelsea Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring and heartwarming stories

[Mark Muckerman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Weak

[Claudia Cheyne · Rating 4 out of 5]

All "Chicken Soup For The Soul" books will touch your heart, but this one was difficult to read at times. However, some of the personal accounts remind us to keep a sense of humor. For example, the woman who informed her family that there was a large black bird in her apartment was not imagining it - they found the bird she described sitting in her bedroom. A doll and a stuffed dog became part of people's family when their loved ones adopted them. This book answers questions like "how do I communicate with someone with dementia?" or things not to do (like arguing with them). Even if you don't know an Alzheimer's patient this is still a great book to read anytime.

[Debara Zeller]

I didn't finish this book--I read only 57% of it--so I don't feel qualified to rate it. I downloaded it onto my kindle because I have a dear friend who has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, and I'm trying to arm myself with as much knowledge about it as I can before I see her in a few weeks. This book consists of story after story of people whose loved ones are afflicted, and I didn't feel I needed to read them all in order to see the common threads.