Forget Me Not: The #1 Alzheimer's and Dementia Guide for Professional and Family Caregivers

by Debra Kostiw, Olivia Kostiw (Illustrator), Dr. Sharon A. Brangman MD (Foreword)

Forget Me Not provides unprecedented insight on how to manage even the most difficult circumstances and behaviors.

If you are interacting with a patient, loved one, or resident with Alzheimer's Disease or dementia, you must immerse yourself in the wisdom that is Forget Me Not.

Each chapter offers specific examples, case studies, and exercises to master the skills necessary to create a calmer, happier, and healthier environment for those with cognitive decline and their caregivers.

Drawing from the latest developments and approaches in Alzheimer's and dementia care, Forget Me Not has all the answers. No matter what challenges you are facing, Forget Me Not provides the reader with clear and concise strategies needed to care for those with neurodegeneration.

Genres: Nonfiction, Health

190 pages, Paperback

Published September 25, 2022

Reviews

[Tisha Prusak · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s a simple book to read and may be good for the lay person and those working with ALZ patients. But, there were grammar/vocabulary errors that made it unenjoyable to me. Made the author seem like an amateur. And the website they refer to several times, AnswersAboutAlz.org repeatedly took me to a GoDaddy site with unrelated content. There were good intentions by the author, but she fell short in execution.

[Hazley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed many aspects of this book, but I could see it being a turnoff to some of the clients and caregivers that I work with. There were many great examples of how to handle specific situations and was easy to read.

[Sue LeDoux · Rating 4 out of 5]

Debra Kostiw hit a home-run with her first book, “Forget Me Not.” Like the touching title, her book speaks to the heart. As a retired RN, I read advice that I had never learned. In fact, they advised us to “orient our patient to time, place or person” when they exhibited confusion. Not so, says Debra… “Never correct.”
Debra explains in simple terms what occurs in the demented brain in ways that explain our person’s mental process and behavior. I learned two basic principles that I can apply to people who are demented as well as people in general.
First, I should not try to respond to my person as I would to someone with no brain damage. Logic, what I think are simple statements (what word don’t you understand?!), are of no use. I must enter their world if I am to relate in a way that comforts them.
The second lesson goes beyond dealing with people with dementia. Debra’s approach is always to enter their world, to understand how her person is feeling, because her person’s feelings will drive his behavior. Logic is out to lunch here. Feelings reign.
So I’m approaching the grocery store check-out line, and someone cuts in front of me. I could get angry, make a nasty comment. What if I smiled, entered the world of her possible feelings, and said, “There’s never enough time to get everything done, is there?”
Perhaps the person would respond, “Tell me about it. I have to get this done before visiting hours at the hospital end.” A conversation may ensue where I offer comfort and she feels better.
Not much different from recognizing the feelings driving my person’s demented
behavior. Indeed, “Forget Me Not” is a keeper on so many levels.

[PattiCav · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have seen this author's social media accounts in the past so when her book was recommended to me by family members, I purchased , thinking that it might be a good reference book. There there was definitely some good information in it, especially for those of us who have not experienced Alzheimer's or dementia up close and personal or in our immediate circles. However I was turned off by the fact that the book sometimes sounded like an info-mercial for the author's training programs. I didn't count, but so many times, instead of providing information directly to the reader through the book, readers were referred back to her website to hunt for the information, even for the purpose of downloading the entire last chapter, which she says she decided at last minute not to include in the book.

Maybe it's just me, but the reading experience felt a bit off-putting, as if the author's intent was not really to encourage you to obtain information by reading the book so much as it was to entice you to purchase one of her paid caregiving programs.

[Donna Schwartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book did an excellent job describing the difficulties that taking care of a person with Alzheimer's or dementia ends up having.
Since my father developed Alsheimer's, I could relate to many of the symptoms that were described in the book. If this book had been around 8 years ago, it would have been a great help to me and my family in helping my father and later my mother.
It is a very practical book and describes what is happening to the brain of the person with dementia, but also tactics that can be used to help them. It's good to be reminded that their brain is slowly losing neurons/brain cells and that arguing with the person does not do any good. They lose their ability to store short term memories because of the loss of brain cells.
If you have a relative who is displaying the inability to remember things that you are telling them ---this book is a must read!

[Janna Cressman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!! This is a fantastic read and so helps me understand my loved one so much more…..it is very simple read. As a Christian there is some language and a few things in the book that I DO NOT ENDORSE MORALLY. But the basics concepts of the book is outstanding and I wish I had read this at the beginning of our loved one’s journey!

I would not want my loved one seeing me read the book and read the book if they where the one struggling with the memory issues. I’m glad it’s offered in a Kindle format!

[Denise Prewett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great resource for dealing/living with some who has dementia or Alzheimer’s. Each chapter covers a different issue that might/will happen and gives you the best ways to be prepared and handle the situation. There is a section at the end of each chapter like a workbook to write how you can deal with your loved one since every person is different. Nice to be able to look back at as needed. You can also follow the author on all social media platforms and visit her website.

[Alyssia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative

I'm a memory care nurse and I purchased this book to get better insight on behaviors. Sometimes it's stunting to do ADLs and you run out of things to encourage them; this book helped go in depth more on tips and reasoning I didn't even think of doing! I also liked the bush activities. Will definitely apply this to my job(: , only reason I gave it a 4 star is I could have done without a book written with inner monologue and "lol" (personal preference).

[maria galvan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informational

I have listened to Debra Kostiw podcast and wanted to learn more about her thoughts on how to care for people with Dementia. I have a family member that is living this disease. This book was very informational and I recommend anyone who wants to learn about how to care for people with Alzheimer and Dementia.

[QueenDee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great guide for both people with loved ones whose affected with Alzheimers/ dementia and for caregivers. I love the insights the author makes to help the readers get in the minds of the loved one/ patient with conditions like dementia. It gives valuable tools to help give the affected loved ones peace and calmness with a genuine respect for the person who has the condition.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had some good tips, however there were a few grammar mistakes. Many times instead of sharing more info it would direct you to a website. I didn’t buy the book with the intention to be directed to a website.

[Colleen Kulikowski-Irwin · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is a lot in this books of helpful hints. Not keen on the exercises.

[Miitta · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book seems to be solely based on the author’s own experiences and the writing could be better, but the practical tips are really good and accurate.

[Christine Dziedzic · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read for dementia caregivers

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detailed & specific advice for caregivers of loved ones with Alzheimer’s/dementia. Clearly stated things to do or not do, say or not say. Places focus on how to reassure a loved one, help them feel loved and safe. Valuable resource to have. Author has a painful personal experience in her past, and wants to help others not go through what she and her mom did. A book written for the sole purpose of helping others.

[Peggy Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful and necessary

This book is down to earth and reasonable solutions to everyday problems in caring for a loved one with dementia.