I saw that there has been some discussion of this topic on another thread and thought I would start a new thread to put in my thoughts.
Many years ago, in my former life, my wife had Multiple Sclerosis and developed dementia. Since dementia is not typically associated with MS, I got very little help in understanding what was going on. It was similar to comments from some trying to understand the early symptoms of AD. “Am I going crazy?”
At that time I found that The 36 Hour Day was the “bible” of dementia information for the layman. I read the book and found it very helpful in understanding what could be expected of a person with dementia.
Now when my second wife was diagnosed with AD, I dug out my copy of The 36 Hour Day and went to read it again. I did not get far before I realized there must be other sources of information. After all, researchers have learned a lot about dementia in the past 25 years.
Of course we now have access to the internet, where you can find anything. After a time of reading different forums, I came across the AlzheimerSpouse. It was good to find that this is the place where the “real experts” hang out and there is information on most any question that comes up.
So while The 36 Hour Day is a very good book, it has become dated and there are many other books etc available for us.
Skee, you said it correctly, the 'real experts', the ones in the trenches. thats where the real help and knowledge comes from. i just wish i had known about the group earlier but its never too late to learn and participate. divvi
To be fair, they have updated the book twice, now. The version I have is copyrighted 1999.
I don't use it to find out what is known about dementia ... that changes daily. I do use it for general advice on how to help care for my husband. I just don't READ it, I look things up using the index.
Have any of you seen Alzheimer's for Dummies? Copyright 2004. The author lost her mother and aunt to AD. I am very impressed with the book-a gift from my wonderful daughter.
Go to the home page of this website - www.thealzheimerspouse.com. Look at the topics on the left side, and click on the Amazon Books - there are many caregiver books recommended that may be better than The 36 Hour Day.
Also, scroll down that left side for "Understanding the Dementia Experience". You can click that link and read the article in pdf. format. It is the best explanation of AD I have read so far.