Between Two Worlds: Special Moments of Alzheimer's and Dementia

I found this book remarkable for two reasons: 1)the stories of patients and families struggling with Alzheimers, yet still being able use their sense of humor in positive ways, and 2) the author is giving all her profits to research for a cure.So often books in this category are difficult to read, but this one is not only readable but enjoyable. The patients and families she writes about really come alive. I found myself deeply touched by their stories, including those about the author's mother.This is a book for anyone who believes in the triumph of the human spirit and the need for laughter to overcome adversity.

"Ellen P. Young shows us how to rediscover our humanity in her writings on the lives of the Alzheimer patient and Alzheimer caregiver. She awakens us to see the dementia sufferer as a person still deserving of our touch and love. ..." -- Deidad Benincasa, Geriatrics NetworkLiving with and caring for those with Alzheimer's disease and dementia can be an agonizing experience for loving family members and caregivers. It may seem impossible to find the silver lining of hope during these difficult times. How can caregivers and family members lighten the load of grief brought on by such cases? And how do caregivers especially deal with the intensely difficult day-to-day work with those who are afflicted? Veteran hospital social worker Ellen P. Young, who saw both her mother and aunt struggle with Alzheimer's, says that though hard to find, humor is often the best medicine. "Between Two Worlds" is the first book to explore, through personal accounts and vignettes, the rare moments of humor that unexpectedly pop up during the caregiving of people suffering from Alzheimer's and related dementia. Young brings the courageous experiences of care providers and relatives to life as they encounter the challenges of dealing with these seriously afflicted patients. At the same time she reveals the touching and gently humorous moments that go a long way to ease the tension and pain. While respectful of the plight of affected families and patients, Young gathers a timeless collection of "fear busters" that "access mirth" with touching chapters such as "Please Don't Eat the Marigold," and "I've Just Found Out I'm in Baltimore." "By staring the Alzheimer's monster down and even laughing a little in the face of it," Young says, "we bolster our courage and release the chemicals (endorphins) in ourselves to gain a sense of well-being in the face of adversity." A must for all caregivers and families, this is truly a book that, once started, cannot be put down. Ellen P. Young (Lutherville, MD), who retired in 1997 from clinical social work at Union Memorial Hospital, continues to volunteer in the medical community and has written for National Catholic Reporter, among other publications. All royalties go to Alzheimer's research.