Dear Dementia: A Diary of Living with Dementia

by Keith Oliver

Keith Oliver was diagnosed with young onset dementia in 2010, and has since become a leading activist for dementia care, and an international speaker. Telling his story through a diary format, this book gives an unparalleled insight into what day-to-day life with dementia is like, and how he continued to live a full life after diagnosis.

352 pages, Paperback

Published April 18, 2019

Reviews

[Louise Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this memoir we discover how Keith Oliver had been a teacher before he had been diagnosed. He tells us of the first tell tale signs, his diagnosis and his life there after. How he left his career to become a champion for education and research into the disease. His letters give us a small peep into how he feels living with dementia. This is an interesting read.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Jessica Kingsley Publishers and the author Keith Oliver for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was interesting to discover that he was a teacher as it gave me something that I could relate to. I also can't imagine how devastating it might be to have to leave your career due to a disease but I like that he still remains active within education. It reminds you that those with dementia haven't always been that way. Most will have had normal lives until they got their diagnosis and maybe even for a while afterwards. It puts life into perspective.

He discusses his symptoms before his diagnosis, getting a diagnosis and life after the diagnosis. It is mostly matter of fact and he doesn't delve too deeply into the emotions. The most human aspects are his yearly 'Dear Dementia' letters that he writes to his disease. I really enjoyed reading these.

The more I read, the harder it is to read. He starts describing his days more and I'm not too interested. He doesn't really talk about how it feels but is more just a matter-of-fact diary. I can imagine it would be nice to read if you are a matter-of-fact person who has just been diagnosed with dementia but for me, I prefer a more raw approach.

I will be posting a full review on my blog on 4th April but it can be moved upon request.

[Brenda · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book Is a diary of daily events by a man that has been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease. Keith Oliver leaves his career after his diagnosis and becomes a champion for education and research on the disease. His diary discusses in detail who he meets with a daily and his work and dedication to support dementia research. He deserves a lot of kudos and accommodations for championing this cause but as far as the book goes..... it is very redundant with no stimulating or enlightening information. Some of his letters to Dear Dementia give some insight and perspective into his feelings, but for the most part, if you want to learn more about dementia the disease and it’s affect on the brain, you will need to find another book. Having previously read Brain on Fire (and loved it) I had high hopes for this book. There was not much to take away from this book other than he kept a very busy calendar for a man with dementia.

[Daina Smite · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think when you read “Dear Alzheimer’s”, you have to keep in mind that it is a diary! It isn't a textbook on what Alzheimer’s is. It is a deeply personal insight into one's life to see how they deal with receiving such a devastating diagnosis. It also shows how important it is what your attitude is going to be; are you going to listen to what some doctor says, or are you going to try to live your life the best you can? And not let the disease define you, but raise awareness about the disease. I think the notion that sticks with me the most was that it is essential to focus on what you CAN do, i.e., keep active, look for support, raise awareness, learn new skills, spend the time with loved ones...

[Susan Belperio · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hat's off to Keith for his activism into dementia, and for keeping such a detailed diary of his busy, full, and albeit quite different life once he could no longer teach after being diagnosed with younger onset dementia. The book however, being in diary format, is not particularly enlightening, and the intricate details of a long list of people that he met with on a daily basis is just that - a personal diary. I must confess that of all the dementia books I've read, this was the only one that became so repetitive that I was forced to skim read and not even finish. Some of the books that he read during his journey, I would actually recommend though.

[Cathy Fogg · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an interesting read giving a personal insight into living with dementia. Hard going in places but definitely made for a thought-provoking read.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher & author for the ARC copy of the book in exchange for my review.

[Julia Dwyer · Rating 2 out of 5]

About 100 pages in, more of a personal diary than an inside look into dementia. I’ve read so many books on dementia, it wasn’t worth it to me to keep reading as I wasn’t gaining anything from the book

[Sandra "Jeanz" · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting, enlightening and informative.
FULL REVIEW TO FOLLOW

[wendy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book for my honest opinion.
You will learn quite a bit about dementia if that is your intention. You will see it from the patient who has it. He writes about the in his journal.
I was hoping for so much more than that. My mom has dementia and I trying to read everything I can get my hands on. I don't live by her and I want to be able to stay connected with her however I can.
This book is fantastic for some things but it lacks some things. But please read this book if you have a family member who has dementia because it w give you the perspective of the ravaging disease from the eyes of the person who is living it

[Kade Gulluscio · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Netgalley.

This topic is so difficult. I had a family member who was diagnosed was this, and it was difficult to watch her progress and spiral downward.

This book is interesting and easy to follow. Just be in the right mindset for it.