Description
Book Synopsis One year shy of her fiftieth wedding anniversary, Dee Hershberger was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Her husband, Bob, serving as her primary caregiver, kept a journal the following four and a half years. Diary of an Alzheimer's Caregiver provides an unflinchingly honest and heartbreaking account of what the couple went through.
During the first two and a half years, Dee gradually lost short-term memory but maintained most physical and social abilities. Over the last two years she lost these abilities, most words, and long-term memory. She also became incontinent, suffered from undetected illnesses, and experienced psychotic episodes and uncontrollable, violent behavior.
This is a brutally raw look at what it is like to lose a loved one to Alzheimer's, including what the disease does to the patient and the effects it has on loved ones and caregivers. This personal view into caring for a spouse with Alzheimer's will help readers understand the physical, emotional, and financial consequences of the disease, as well as provide support, advice, and hope to anyone in the same situation.
Trade Review“An insightful, knowledgeable guidebook with essential advice for concerned readers facing similar circumstances. A somber yet candid and emotionally supportive portrayal of a spouse’s cognitive decline.” - Kirkus ReviewsTable of Contents
- Preface and Acknowledgments
- Chapter 1: First Year of the Journey
- Chapter 2: Second Year of the Journey
- Chapter 3: Third Year of the Journey
- Chapter 4: Fourth Year of the Journey
- Chapter 5: Fifth Year of the Journey
- About Deanna
- About the Authors
