Movies:

Books:

Where The Light Gets In - Kimberly Williams-Paisley

A friend of mine sent me this book after hearing Kimberly Williams-Paisley speak about her book on The Today Show. Kimberly has a way of writing about her personal experiences that immediately drew me in. I was able relate to her thoughts and feelings about the changing relationship with her mother as her mother's disease progressed. Her mother was diagnosed with a rare form of dementia called Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) at 61 years old. I felt Kimberly's heartache while she and her family struggled with the acceptance of this diagnosis. It is somewhat comforting to know that we are not alone in our experiences, yet painful at the same time because of the realization that so many others are navigating this journey. 

My Mother Your Mother - Dennis McCullough, MD (2009)

Sherri's thoughts on this book: This book is written by Dennis McCullough, M.D., a practicing geriatrician and graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Medical School. He writes about his perspective of what he calls the eight stages of late life in caring for our elders. He encourages families to advocate for a more responsive care plan rather than wait for a crisis. He calls it Slow Medicine. The medical system we have today can sometimes bring too much intervention that, in turn, can cause more confusion and complicate dying. I like the ideas he brings forward in taking on a different perspective to aging, which is to help our loved ones enjoy late life to the fullest. While this does not pertain directly those affected by Alzheimer's disease, it is a thought-provoking concept that I feel is worth mentioning. All of us are growing older and this book may spark some insight to an alternative way to embrace aging.

Unleash the Power of the Female Brain – Daniel Amen (2013)

This book by Daniel Amen, M.D. talks about getting into the right mind-set to supercharge the female brain. I think Dr. Amen covers a very comprehensive plan of action to address issues related to women-specific issues such as hormone balance, gut health, relationships, sex, and more. I especially like his technique that he calls ANT therapy, and learning how to "kill the ANTs" (Automatic Negative Thoughts). 

Colors – Alzheimer’s/Dementia/Memory Loss Activity Book for Patients and Caregivers –Matthew Schneider & Deborah Drapac, BSN RN (2011)

Dogs and Puppies - Alzheimer’s/Dementia/Memory Loss Activity Book for Patients and Caregivers - Matthew Schneider & Deborah Drapac, BSN RN (2011)

Seasons - Alzheimer’s/Dementia/Memory Loss Activity Book for Patients and Caregivers - Matthew Schneider & Deborah Drapac, BSN RN (2011)

These books are great to use for communicating with someone who has dementia. Each book has full-page pictures with short stories or poems that you can read aloud. I think it would be a wonderful tool to use when spending some time with someone who has dementia. I bought these books and left them at the nursing home for my Mom and others to use. I have not personally been able to read these to my Mom, because in her current stage of Alzheimer's she has been unable to sit down and relax enough to enjoy them. I still hope that there comes a time when she can enjoy looking at the pictures.

Speaking Our Minds – Lisa Snyder, MSW LCSW (2009)

This book is really interesting as it brings a perspective on Alzheimer's through interviews with seven people who have been diagnosed with the disease. These are very brave individuals in my opinion. I couldn't help but wish that I had taken time to have some conversations with my Mom early on after her diagnosis about her feelings, thoughts, fears, and wishes. This book brings an awareness of how important it is to be present with your loved one who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. 

Still Alice – Lisa Genova (2007)  

I read this book shortly after it came out, and before my mom's diagnosis of Alzheimer's. I am grateful for the awareness that this book and movie have brought to Alzheimer's disease. Personally, the book hits home with a lot of the events that happen in this story. However, I think the reality of this deadly disease is much more 'evil' than it is depicted in this story. Lisa Genova's story somewhat softens the anguish that many families have to go through in placing their loved ones in nursing homes when they become a danger to themselves and others. It's a little too neat and tidy, but it does get the message out about this awful disease of which there is currently no cure.