Talking to Alzheimer's: Simple Ways to Connect When You Visit with a Family Member or Friend

As a middle stage Alzheimer [aka CRSer], it has been my burden, duty and responsibility to train my Caregivers in how to communicate with me. This has been psychologically draining, and I have wished for a simple guide, so that I could say what works and does not work in caring for this rapidly deteriorating newly discovered "Dependant." There is a well known acronym, K.I.S.S., which is inaccurately translated as "Keep It Simple, Sweetie(?)." As an educator, I have always encouraged the use of trots, Cliff Notes, Classic Comics, and the "Idiot's Guide" series. All of these are written to inform unknowing readers in depth of subjects of interest, in simple understandable terminology. "Talking to Alzheimer's" is just such a tome. I have strongly recommended it to the facilitors of my Berkeley ALZ Support Groups, as a Bible or Koran for recalcitrant Caregivers. It works!!! With it in hand, we ALZers and Caregivers can and will communicate thoughtfully and without unnecessary stress. Words leave us, but our souls remain. Strauss is one of the best in this genre.

This is really the book my family has been needing. We want so badly to keep connecting with my father-in-law but it's hard to know how to hold a conversation with someone who rarely knows what time of day it is. We love him and we want desparately for him to now that, but how?Ms. Strauss offers a practical, informative, and hopeful guide, lists of 'dos and donts' rather than a medicial or theoretical guide. Since I've had this book I have been able to connect to Pop in a much more rewarding way for both of us. I highly recommend it to those who still want to connect!

This book is a blessing for anyone who has a loved one with Alzheimer's, dementia or is a victim of stroke. Ms. Strauss's advice comes from the heart and not just the mind.She reminds us that to truly connect with others we must conciously be in the moment with them.This is good advice no matter who it is we are trying to stay connected to. How often are we distracted by outside thoughts and miss opportunities to truly connect to others. This book is a gentile reminder to us all.

There is no easy way for me to talk about the final years of my grandmother's life and her diagnosis with Alzheimer's disease. I only wish "Talking to Alzheimer's" had been available to me and my family during that difficult time. Claudia Strauss's voice is tender, respectful, competent and understanding. This book is both supportive and practical -- providing concrete ways to maintain or build a connection with people suffering from Alzheimer's. I would highly recommend this book to anyone with friends or family that are suffering from Alzheimer's, and would make it required reading for staff and professionals working with Alzheimer's patients.

This book is a must for anyone who visits friends or family members with Alzheimers. The format is user-friendly. Leafing through the book, I found that just about any page contains helpful suggestions. The author stresses the dignity of the person and provides ways of coping with typical situations which arise. An important point she makes is that although memory fails to serve the person, the feelings are still there. This author's warm response to those with Alzheimer's is convincing and contageous. It provides a rainbow in the storm.