Chapter 1: The Alzheimer's Journey: A Roadmap for Caregivers
* Summary: Provides an overview of Alzheimer's disease, its symptoms, and the challenges faced by caregivers.
* Example: Mary's mother, Elise, is diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Mary must confront the reality of her mother's declining health and the need to make difficult decisions.
Chapter 2: The Early Stages of Alzheimer's: Subtle Changes and First Doubts
* Summary: Discusses the early signs of Alzheimer's, including memory loss, confusion, and difficulty with language.
* Example: John's father, Bob, starts forgetting appointments and hiding things. John notices these changes but initially dismisses them as normal aging.
Chapter 3: A Slow, Gradual Decline: Dealing with Changes in Memory and Thinking
* Summary: Explores the progression of Alzheimer's, focusing on memory loss, disorientation, and impaired judgment.
* Example: Mary's mother, Elise, becomes increasingly forgetful and confused. She struggles to remember the names of her grandchildren and gets lost in her own neighborhood.
Chapter 4: Wandering and Restlessness: Keeping Your Loved One Safe
* Summary: Addresses the common problem of wandering and restlessness in people with Alzheimer's.
* Example: John's father, Bob, starts wandering out of the house at night. John installs a door alarm and enrolls Bob in a day program to provide stimulation and supervision.
Chapter 5: Agitation and Aggression: Understanding the Triggers and Finding Solutions
* Summary: Examines the causes and management of agitation and aggression in Alzheimer's.
* Example: Mary's mother, Elise, becomes agitated and aggressive when she is overwhelmed or anxious. Mary learns to identify her mother's triggers and develops strategies to calm her down.
Chapter 6: Communication and Connecting: Making the Most of Every Interaction
* Summary: Explores the challenges and importance of communication with people with Alzheimer's.
* Example: John's father, Bob, struggles to find words and has difficulty following conversations. John learns to use simpler language, repetition, and nonverbal cues to connect with him.
Chapter 7: Maintaining Safety and Health: Nutrition, Exercise, and Preventing Accidents
* Summary: Discusses the importance of maintaining safety and health for people with Alzheimer's, including nutrition, exercise, and accident prevention.
* Example: Mary ensures that her mother, Elise, gets a balanced diet and regular exercise. She also installs safety features in her home to prevent falls and accidents.
Chapter 8: Caregiving Through the Later Stages: Embracing the Moments and Finding Meaning
* Summary: Focuses on the challenges and rewards of caring for a loved one in the later stages of Alzheimer's.
* Example: John's father, Bob, requires 24-hour care. John hires a home aide and learns to provide comfort and support to his father, even though he no longer recognizes him.
