Alzheimer's Through the Stages: A Caregiver's Guide

by Mary Moller

Caring for your loved one (and yourself) through Alzheimer's. . .

Alzheimer's books should help everyone involved through this incredibly difficult
time. that's why 'Alzheimer's Through the Stages' shows you what you can do for
your loved one - and yourself - every step of the way. This book's detailed
descriptions of all seven stages of the disease are both helpful and comforting.

'Alzheimer's Through the Stages' includes:

• A COMPLETE GUIDE:
Go beyond other Alzheimers books as you learn what's
happening and what you should do during all seven stages of the disease.

• EASY-TO-USE ADVICE:
Detailed guides and sample dialogues help you handle
everything from doctor visits to mood swings - making this one of the most
useful Alzheimers books.

• SELF-CARE FOR CAREGIVERS:
Discover the importance of your own well- being and how taking care of
yourself is critical to successful caregiving. Discover one of the only Alzheimer's
books that lets you concentrate on what
matters most caring for both your loved one and yourself.

©2019 Althea Press (P)2019 Audible, Inc.

Genres: Nonfiction, Medicine

182 pages, Paperback

First published April 30, 2019

Reviews

[Antigone · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mary Moller is a program specialist at the Center of Excellence for Alzheimer's Disease. She's spent fourteen years working with families shattered by the diagnosis of this and other forms of dementia. I would imagine laboring in such a field requires the sort of distancing mechanisms that limit emotional investment and empathy. You must stand at a remove, I suspect, as the victims swell in number and circumstance; boundaries firm as you deliver what expertise you can to those destined to decline from this point forward.

That makes sense. But here, again, we have a situation in which an adjustment must be made. The writing of a book, any book, necessitates the lowering of those protective walls and the closing of those distances in order to effectively connect with a reader. This is, at its heart, a one-on-one enterprise that greatly benefits from the personal touch. Expertise is more gratefully received on the page when it arrives in the form of intimate knowledge; direction more welcome when tendered through the balm of a manifestly-evident compassion.

While Ms. Moller's guide makes good on its promise to walk one through the stages of Alzheimer's Disease - what to say, what to expect, what to do - that guidance is supplied in a workaday tone that is nothing short of institutional. This is what one might expect from a pamphlet offered by the local public health service. And when you've gone to the trouble to research all the material available on such a hard and heartless disease, when you've expended the effort to select, then purchase, then read the book as you crest the wave of this nightmare, well, I think you deserve more than what you'd get from an employee of the state.

Boundaries may be the wisest choice in the nine-to-five travail of the job, they simply don't work here.

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alzheimer's is a tragic disease. There is no way around saying this. It's not just a disease that affects some other family that we don't have to think about. I'll bet you have been affected in some way by it yourself, whether it may be directly in your family, you may be or have been a caregiver to a loved one or it has affected a close friend's family member and they have talked to you about it.
Personally my grandmother passed from this sixteen years ago and my father-in-law is in the last stages of this horrible disease.
There really is no easy way to deal with this disease no matter what book you may read or doctor you talk to. That being said this book is very informative in helping you deal with your loved one along the stages of this disease. This disease is a monster, make no mistake about that! It steals your loved one from you. They are physically there in the last stages but their personality has changed so much they are not really there.
There are seven stages of Alzheimers and this book expertly guides you through every step with dignity and thorough explanations to make your loved one as comfortable and as stress free as possible. Yes, as a caregiver this will be a very stressful time as your loved one becomes the person you don't remember sharing such good times with. As the brain disease progresses their personality will change making them such a vulnerable adult eventually depending on your for everything. This book suggests having a notebook and recording everything such as any questions for your doctor reaction to medications, just anything that pops into mind. The book asks great questions and guides you in how to find care when it becomes to much for you physically or medically. Wonderful hospice guide and once again great suggestion questions for your loved one's doctor and family discussion. The book points out the need to take time for yourself even if your just going outside to take breaths of fresh air. When you are tired and stressed your loved one will pick up on this and it will make them stressed as well. In conclusion celebrate your loved ones life and know you did/are doing all you can for your loved one. Celebrate you! Be good to yourself, you are a hero!
Pub Date 14 May 2019
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Thank you. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Tunkabean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good guide.

Man these books are depressing af

[Michelle Noble · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an excellent resource for any Alzheimer's patient caregiver. It explains what Alzheimer's disease is, and the different stages of the disease. It explains certain behaviors they may exhibit, and the best way to calmly deal with the patient. It's an excellent resource for programs available in the community and how to find them. It also discusses planning ahead such as with a POA.

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book because my grandma is getting checked to see if she has Alzheimer’s disease. I thought if this book had good information I’d read it first then have my mom (who’s her caregiver) read it too. I was only a few chapters in when I went online and ordered my mom a copy! This book is so easy to read and really breaks down all the stages you and your loved one will go through. Not only is this disease hard on the patient but it’s super hard on the family as well. There are even stories for every chapter (stage) to show you what it can be like for some people. I wasn’t expecting to get so emotional reading it. The harsh reality of it all really woke me up and made me realize we need to do more for my grandma. If you are caring for a loved one with this disease I highly suggest you read this book. It’s on KU!

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

My father has vascular dementia and I am trying to learn as much as I can about the subject. This book did a great job explaining the stages of dementia. I do know it focuses on alzheimers but that is just one type of dementia so it still does a great job outlining the stages. I also like that it gives advice to the caregiver and explains how important it is for the caregiver to take care of themselves. I have watched the toll on my mother that taking care of my father takes on her and it is just as equally hard to watch what the disease does to her as it does to him. I appreciate the tips on how to deal with the person suffering from the disease because the disease does not make sense no matter how much you try to reason with it.

[Sammie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a caregiver for my wife for the last 5 years and in the beginning of the advanced stages I highly recommend this book to caregivers of loved ones at home. There is excellent advice given for very challenging situations which I know to be true through my own experiences with my wife who now doesn't speak. The author articulates the emotional journey of a caregiver with precision. Her recommendations though sometimes difficult for a caregiver to follow, are important and key to successful longlasting caregiving.

[Eva Lorenz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is written with a high degree of empathy, both for the patient as well as the caregiver. The author walks the reader through the seven stages of Alzheimer's; allowing the reader to understand how the role of the caregiver changes as the disease progresses from mild to ultimately severe disease. Not only does the author includes guidance on what to ask the physician as the patient's state changes, but the author also explains how the patient feels and what the caregiver should expect, without the patient having to ask for it. Despite the complexity of the disease progression, the book is written in plain English that is easy to understand and follow. Moreover, the author does include tips on how the caregiver can ensure that his or her well being is not neglected and the illness does not negatively impact the caregiver's overall health.
This book is highly recommended for anyone that may find themselves in a position of having to care for a patient suffering from Alzheimer's and will answer many questions of caregivers that may find themselves worried about the unknown that people with this disease and their families face.

I received a free copy of the book from the publisher.

[John oneill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

I am a caregiver. This book has fantastic information about dementia. I have had a few clients with dementia. I didn't completely understand what was happening to the people I was caring for. It is a horrible disease that really robs the people of all memory. This book was well written and has valuable information as well as each stage. I liked that it includes self care for the caregivers. Very important! I would recommend this book.

[Viki Farrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a child of a mother that I lost to Alzheimer's and a volunteer Community Educator/Support Group Facilitator, I have to say this is the best book I have read regarding progression and how to work through it. It is an easy read for a difficult topic. I love how she breaks each chapter into a story and how to handle it along with conversation points to have with the doctor. There are other excellent books out there but, as far as progression and expectations, this is the best I have read.

[Laurie Siegel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a good guide for the caretaker to follow--to ensure the caretaker that s/he is doing the right course of action in regard to the family member's care. The author takes a gentle and supportive role in regard to the caretaker. Managing the care of a family member who has Alzheimers or related diseases is very difficult; Ms. Moller ensures that the caretaker is supported in this difficult time.

[Nicole Flynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Terrific Book

Thoughtfully written and full of heart. This guide breaks down in easy to understand terms what the disease is doing to your loved one, gives questions to ask the doctor during the different stages and validates the emotions and challenges facing the caregiver. Thank you!

[Rafaela Morillas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a kind, caring and loving guiding tool...

Looking for validation? Reading "through the stages" will help with self doubt and the angst you feel as the devastation of this disease envelopes you and drops you to your knees. I am so sorry to all who are experiencing this journey - may you always remember who you are.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative

Compassionate and informative, this book educates the reader about the stages of Alzheimer’s and the changes that happen during each stage. It offers practical strategies for coping with cognitive decline and comforting the patient/loved one.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was disappointed in this book. Honestly, it is my fault because Caregiver's Guide should have told me it was for caregivers. My parents are in Assisted Living with Alzheimer's.

However, this book did help me with what to expect through the stages and how to deal with situations.

[elaine monroe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative

This book should be read by everyone, not just those already caring for an Alzheimer’s victim. We are all potential victims or caregivers as we this disease has become so prevalent in our increasing elderly population. Few of us will be untouched.

[Leann Connell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful as I navigated walking this horrific road with my amazing mom, until it ultimately took her.

Recommend for anyone dealing with dementia as a caregiver to help understand the stages and what you might need to prepare for.

[Susan D. Frisbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So thankful to have this book

This easy to understand book helped me immensely with my journey as a caregiver. Alzheimer’s is a scary disease and the author gently walk you through each stage, reminding us to also take care of ourselves along the way.

[Taylor Bauer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Filled with straight forward practical information for anyone who is trying to navigate Alzheimer care. I liked that this book was sectioned out into stages of the illness so you can know what to expect and how to navigate those specific issues.

[Louise Radford · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very informative book but the caveat from me would be don't look for signs of progression it isn't healthy for your own mental health. I did and spiralled into depression which was hard to crawl out of. Use as a reference to help you plan and be ready and prepared but don't dwell on the stages.

[Joyce Johansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written

Covered nearly all my questions in a readable and understandable way. Appreciated the attention to stages and symptoms and expectations.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for anyone with a loved one suffering from this terrible disease. Whether you are a caregiver or loved one, this book helps you understand and better communicate with your loved one.

[Sharon Dorival · Rating 5 out of 5]

Educational and resourceful textbook

I read cover to cover. I will definitely refer to this book frequently as I work with people affected by Alzheimer's.

[C.L. Gibson · Rating 4 out of 5]

very helpful

[deborah thomason · Rating 5 out of 5]

fantastic reading

This book has helped me as a caregiver understand Alzheimer’s better and also to give myself better care and it’s ok to laugh and cry

[Raquel Delgado · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recommend this for any caretaker that is feeling overwhelmed and struggling to find emotional balance and validation.

[Diann Block · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent resource book. I will keep referring to it as my husbands disease progresses

[BB Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

must read this book

So much great info here this book needs to be read by any caregiver and I have read many already and intend to read many more kudos to the author

[donna smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you

My husband of 52 years is in the beginning of the end, this thoughtful book helped heal my soul. Amen

[Elaine Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple and straightforward.

This short read provides concise information and examples of what you could encounter caring for a loved one with alzheimers\dementia.