Four Umbrellas: A Couple's Journey Into Young-Onset Alzheimer's

by June Hutton, Tony Wanless

June watches and worries as her husband, Tony, gradually changes his interests, goals, and behaviour. The signs of dementia are all around, but a diagnosis of Alzheimer's takes seven years. Four Umbrellas provides a fresh perspective, bending the usual caretaker narrative by enfolding the voice of the person with the disease.

Genres: Memoir, Audiobook, Nonfiction

224 pages, ebook

First published October 17, 2020

Reviews

[Evelina | AvalinahsBooks]

DNF @ 60%, therefore not rating it

How I read this: Free ebook copy received through NetGalley

Been trying to read this for more than a couple months now, but I just can't keep going. I picked it back up again yesterday and realized I'm just putting myself through sheer dread. The book is good, but if you have a fear of having dementia in old age (which I have, as it turns out...), maybe don't pick this up. It very realistically and truthfully describes the experiences of both the caregiver and the person with the problems, so it's just chilling to the bone, really. It's well written, but... It may trigger some people. And that's the reason I'm not finishing it - yesterday I realized that that's nearly another half of the book that I'd have to read in constant dread. I would honestly rather not, although I feel bad abandoning it.

I thank the publisher for giving me a free copy of the ebook in exchange to my honest review. This has not affected my opinion.

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[Jeanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a heartbreaking story to tell. June and Tony have a good life. They are both writers and Tony writes for a financial paper. He is adept in a few languages, has an engineering background and is brilliant in math. When he starts losing items and finds them in odd spots, experiences a loss of interest June attributes it to a mini stroke and they spend years trying to get a diagnosis.

The story is not written in a chronological order and June's recall at times doesn't seem reliable as to when events occurred. It is written from her perspective with emails from Tony interspersed giving his side of the story. Overall, I didn't feel emotion as I was reading. Having dealt with dementia when I took care of my dad in my home I am aware of the level of fear, frustration and exhaustion it takes and I never got that impression. It all seemed very dry and matter of fact. At times I felt like I was reading the notes made in preparation for writing the book and not the book itself.

Overall it was an important story to tell. I think it will be helpful to anyone who is facing the task of being a caregiver.

Thank you to Netgalley and Dundurn Press for the opportunity to read this book.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four Umbrellas is a beautifully-written and important book. Read it not just because you know someone suffering from dementia, but because it has all the emotional ups and downs of a good read.
June Hutton and Tony Wanless have written a fearless and compassionate dialogue about living with Tony's young-onset Alzheimer's disease. We learn, along with June and Tony, that Alzheimer's is not just for the old. Its departure point can be up to twenty years before diagnosis. From the first signs, through the dardanelles of getting a diagnosis, to the balancing act of caretaker and cared-for, this is an inspiring account of a journey many of us might have to take.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, this is my nightmare and there's no way to prevent it. My fear has always been either taking care of (that sounds awful) someone or developing a cognitive disorder. This book was heartbreaking and June is my hero. This book has details you just wouldn't think about until you are going through this. I have already recommended this book to several people.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher for the opportunity read and review this book.

[skketch · Rating 3 out of 5]

📚🧠💍NOVEL THOUGHTS💍🧠📚

The onset of dementia is hard enough for a person of advanced age but worse when it is early onset dementia and especially in a mind that could retain facts, information, trivia and was sharp when it came to words. This is the true story of one family going through this awful diagnosis and their struggles not only with the daily complications but also its impact on the financial aspect of a family so far out from retirement. That is what June and Paul must contend with when over almost a decade of symptoms, it is confirmed that Paul is suffering with this condition. He can never return to his writing career, his memory to turn off stoves may jeopardize their safety, his anger and sudden rage takes a toll on their marriage and June's life is turned upside down on an emotional level and physically as she struggles to care for him. As his lucidity is slowly ebbing away, they both document what is happening on such a personal level, it is felt on such a deep level by the reader. This is an honest, heart breaking account of the unexpected toll they both face as well as how long it takes to make the final diagnosis in order to be eligible for the help provided by their health programs. For me, it is the personal account by June, especially in Part 3 of the book that just grabs at my heart because no one knows the future and what she expected from her later years with Paul is not to be and that is crushing for her. This part also talk about the mental needs and care of the caretaker because while they don't suffer from the condition, their life is no less affected and the medical community needs to also give some grace to them as well.

[Elizabeth Mellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting, thought-provoking, and educating premise. The execution was a little rough, which I would've probably put off to an inexperienced writer, had it not been for the fact that she had written other books, so I wonder if the personal nature of the content made the writing much more difficult than having some distance. She's correct that I can't imagine going through it with a spouse, though I watched my Grandmother deal with it (and I was not her caretaker, nor did I have expectations of her as a partner) and it definitely got me thinking a lot about when Alzheimer's begins - I know we saw that with my Grandma, there were a few years where we sort of felt unease at things that she was doing and saying, but she could still pass the tests or carry on conversations with visitors that you didn't know contained false truth without knowing much about what was actually going on in her life. She wasn't diagnosed yet when she couldn't learn my newborn daughter's name. Or when she started thinking people had been in and done things in her apartment. I think this sort of story is important to share so that people are aware of symptoms and the time it takes before someone is changed far enough to get a diagnosis - she mentions how her previously sharp, clever husband tested "average" and so was considered "fine" when average was a decline for him.

[Elizabeth Mellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting, thought-provoking, and educating premise. The execution was a little rough, which I would've probably put off to an inexperienced writer, had it not been for the fact that she had written other books, so I wonder if the personal nature of the content made the writing much more difficult than having some distance. She's correct that I can't imagine going through it with a spouse, though I watched my Grandmother deal with it (and I was not her caretaker, nor did I have expectations of her as a partner) and it definitely got me thinking a lot about when Alzheimer's begins - I know we saw that with my Grandma, there were a few years where we sort of felt unease at things that she was doing and saying, but she could still pass the tests or carry on conversations with visitors that you didn't know contained false truth without knowing much about what was actually going on in her life. She wasn't diagnosed yet when she couldn't learn my newborn daughter's name. Or when she started thinking people had been in and done things in her apartment. I think this sort of story is important to share so that people are aware of symptoms and the time it takes before someone is changed far enough to get a diagnosis - she mentions how her previously sharp, clever husband tested "average" and so was considered "fine" when average was a decline for him.

[Maggie (Magsisreadingagain) · Rating 4 out of 5]

With dementia being one of my ultimate fears, this book was a blend of emotions for me. As I started reading, I was afraid of the effects Tony’s story would have on me, and yet I ended the book feeling an overall sense of empathy and hope. This book is an honest and open account of the effects of young-onset dementia on not only the individual diagnosed, but also the friends, family and caregivers surrounding that individual. The significant barriers that Wanless and Hutton faced in their efforts to secure a diagnosis and support (medical and financial) were daunting and humbling. As a mental health nurse, I take away many nuggets of wisdom that will influence my practice going forward.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dundurn Press for an advance reading copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking. Sad. Terrifying. Four Umnrellas chronicles a couple witness decline of an excellent mind due to early onset Alzheimer's. Mostly written by June with interjections by Tony, she reflects on when the actual decline began. She notes the worsening of her husband's conditions and frustrations with getting the necessary documentation so she can take over the finances and qualify for help. June also touches upon the toll it has had in her, but I suspect she skimmed over most details. I can think of nothing more horrifying than to know you're losing your cognitive skills and the horrific struggle. Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the advance copy in exchange for my review.

[Lester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sooooo GOOD!!!!
I have so many 'markers' in this book..the places I want to go back to and re-read..that I am just going to read the book again.
So informative..so very personal..and so much to learn for us all.
We all have parents, grandparents or older children..we all need need need to pay more attention to each other!!
It will be fantastic when the 'eye tests' become readily accessible to everyone..one of the easiest start points to be done yet.
Thank you to June Hutton and Paul Wanless for allowing us into such a personal journey.

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four Umbrellas is a beautiful act of vulnerability and storytelling. June Hutton and Tony Wanless share with the reader the many struggles they have faced so far with Tony’s early onset Alzheimers. Four Umbrellas takes the reader on a heart wrenching journey through this devastating diagnosis. As a reader who knew very little of Alzheimer's disease, through this book I gained a wealth of knowledge and empathy for those caring for and suffering from this form of dementia.

[Gabrielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this book was difficult to read, I believe it was very helpful in understanding this horrifying disease. Having Tony, who is dealing with Alzheimer's, actually contribute to the writing of the book, made it all the more valuable. It's a must read for anyone who has had to deal with someone suffering from the disease or has the horrifying possibility of having to deal with it as a caregiver or suffering from it yourself.

[Jodie Siu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terrifying and realistic. The narrative was a bit confusing and I wished there was more from Tony (the husband who has the diagnosis), but overall it was illuminating.

[Donna Flemming · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting perspective on dealing with Alzheimer's as the disease progresses.

[Ro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartbreaking as early onset Alzheimer's progressively worsens for Tony. And more for his wife, June, who watches the man she loves change and become caregiver.

[Shelly Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and heartbreaking true account of one Canadian Couples experience with this horrible disease.

[Susanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author, Dundurn Press and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a heartbreaking account of the slow loss of a loved one to Alzheimer's Disease. Having had some exposure to the topic, I was eager to read this book written by a wife and husband together. Jane has her own background of family disposition toward dementia and becomes her husband's caregiver, as Tony, an articulate, intelligent and experienced journalist becomes confused, forgetful and at times very angry. Thank you to both for their honesty and openness, giving us a true and unflinching look at what this process is like from both sides. Jane gives some excellent advice to those in her situation, and Tony helps us to better understand how difficult it is to cope with the loss of oneself..

[Donna Boyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to #NetGalley, the authors and the publisher for providing me with a digital copy of this book prior to publication in exchange for my review. Four Umbrellas by June Hutton and Tony Wanless is the story of Tony Wanless and the years leading up to and following his Alzheimer's diagnosis in his early sixties. June had suspected that something was not right for years. She had noticed that Tony was becoming confused and forgetful and when he had a fall, June thought that Tony might have had a stroke and took him for testing. He had numerous tests, including memory tests and doctors thought he might have a mild cognitive impairment as a result of his stroke and the fall. June questioned the validity of this diagnosis and continued her search for answers as to what was happening to Tony. She was determined to get to the root of the problem and eventually she did but it took a lot of effort on her part. She gives excellent advice, telling the reader to be an advocate for your loved one, speak up on their behalf, do not be shy, and document everything you observe and everything doctors tell you. It might surprise the reader to learn that in her quest for the truth, she discovered that Alzheimer's is really not just an old person's disease.

[Rebecca Nagrodski · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Four Umbrellas" gives an incredibly honest and heartbreaking look at the impact of Alzheimer's Disease on a patient: a patient's spouse; their marriage; and their community.

I applaud both of the authors for being so vulnerable in this book. Jane - for being so open about her journey; and for revealing all the administrative work behind her husband's diagnosis that people never even think about. And Tony - for allowing his story to be told; and for letting himself to be shown through different perspectives.

While this is certainly not a happy fairy tale, I believe this is still very much worth a read. The sad truth is that many of us will have to deal with Alzheimer's Disease - and "Four Umbrellas" lays out exactly what this looks like.

Thank you to the publisher and to Netgalley for giving me the chance to learn from this book.