My mother has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s but is still doing all right, still able to live in her own home with my stepfather. This book is helpful for someone trying to understand how it is live with the disease.
Quotes inside the book make statements like “dementia is dark and ugly” and I know most of us realize that fact. They tell us accurately that the author “leads us through the process of diagnosis and the impact of the changing needs on family, friends and colleagues.” If you haven’t already been through that process with a loved one, this book will help you see life through the lens of someone with this form of dementia.
The book was Genova’s first novel and is a good look into and a compassionate work of fiction about the disease. You will find Still Alice here to Amazon. There is also a movie done with the same name and you will find Dawn Rae’s review of the movie version of this story right here on Review This Reviews.
Genova has also written a novel about a patient with ALS. If you haven’t read it, you might check my review of Every Note Played here. Once again, it is not a pretty story but a real one, well told and an insightful look into the world of people with this disease.
See you
At the bookstore!
Brenda
Alzheimer’s is indeed a dark disease that robs so much from so many, not just the patient. New research sounds promising, but we still have a long way to go. Therefore, I think it is important to read stories, even fictional ones, about life in and around someone with Alzheimer's in order to have a better understanding.
ReplyDeleteMy sister-in-law is now coping with cognitive impairment, which is a precurser to Alheimer's, so I know how you must feel with your mother's diagnosis. And is why I think that reading books such as 'Still Alice' is important. Thank you for introducing me to this compelling novel, Brenda.
We have this experience and for sure the journey is not a pretty one. We are blessed that my mother seems to be very docile in her dementia where some people are very aggressive. So thank God for that. Coming to terms with this disease is difficult to say the least. I'm sure this is a very good book and I will look into it. Thanks Brenda Little!
ReplyDeleteAlzheimer’s disease is cruel, indeed. Any type of insight or support for caregivers and loved ones as well as the person experiencing this type of dementia is a much-needed resource..
ReplyDeleteI do hope you found the book helpful, Brenda. We have had two family members who had Alzheimers. I can tell you from watching them that I would not wish it on anyone or any family. The only grace in it is that the one with Alzheimers gets to a point where they don't remember anything bad anyone has ever done to them. I guess they find a kind of childlike peace there.
ReplyDeleteI read this book several years ago and I highly recommend it
ReplyDeleteThis disease is one of, if not the most horrible disease for an individual and their family to deal with. To have your memories taken or chaotically displaced is beyond horrendous. I have heard of the book and the movie, but I've been unable to bring myself to watch the movie. Thanks for your take on the book.
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