A classic! It's one of the best books in helping caregivers understand Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia.

A Very Helpful Overview

The first half of the book gave me reassurance and explanations that have really helped me maintain my patience and energy while dealing with my mother’s developing Alzheimer’s. Of most value was learning that the Alzheimer’s patient can maintain social skills such that others may not see the illness even when the caregiver is facing its challenges every day.

Given the breadth of this books coverage, it can’t get into the level of depth I would have liked, especially in the second half. Coverage of placement concerns seemed rather repetitive and light weight and coverage of research was so high level as to not really add value. The book would have been better recommending sources to learn about research rather than trying to cover it so quickly.

I have recommended this to a friend who is facing the struggle, but pointed out that the first half is where the best value is.

Had this one for about a year and a half, consulting it in only the most timid of ways, stopped from anything more than that out of pure cowardice. Now, reading it through thoroughly, I found it provided necessary information in an easy to digest format, with plenty of anecdotes that offer genuine support and a surprising amount of comfort.

This was an excellent book for anyone with family that is struggling with dementia.

This doesn't have to be read page by page. You can read the areas that pertain to where your care receiver is at this point in his/her journey. My psychiatrist recommended it to me when my husband was first diagnosed

I think this would be immensely helpful in physical format. I listened to it on audiobook and while it was informative it was many times repetitive. Having a copy to reference when needed would be suggested. I got this because my grandfather is starting to show signs of dementia and I wanted to be as informed as possible. Really to help my granny more than anything. I worry about her mental and physical health and this book gives great advice to care givers on how to prepare and communicate with folks suffering from this affliction. Honestly I felt like I was reading about how to be paranoid... So many precautions for these people. It's intense.

Really useful reference book for those of us suddenly finding themselves as caregivers for our parents.

I spent 18 years of my professional life as a social worker specializing in the problems of the aging. Thirteen of those years were in nursing homes and rehab facilities. I could always identify the families of residents with Alzheimer's: they had big black circles under their eyes from lack of sleep. The 36 Hour Day was and is still the best thing written for the loved ones and caregivers of dementia patients. This book will help you deal with the terrible burdens of anger, love, guilt and confusion that dementia imposes on its victims and those who love them. In this one volume you will find out what to expect and many ways of dealing with it. Personality changes, weird, unpredictable behaviors, outbursts of emotion, loss of simple skills and uncontrollable anxiety can make even your beloved Mom into a terrible burden to her caregivers. How do you cope when your darling Daddy turns into a befuddled stranger? What do you do when the state troopers find Auntie Elma on Highway 19 in her nightie? Who do you turn to for advice? Where do you get the best medical care? Can you keep Mom at home or does she need an institution? This book really does have some good answers and some hints on other questions you may need to answer. This book can save you a lot of stress, trust me, I KNOW THIS!

Damn depressing but darn useful

As the title reads, one of the most comprehensive books on the disease and one that provides copious amounts of practical ideas and solutions.

An excellent guide for understanding and dealing with a loved one who has Alzheimer's/dementia. There has been a lot of frustration in my own family with my grandmother's condition, and this book really put things into perspective for me. Instead of being angry and frustrated, and reacting on raw emotion, I've been able to deal with problems as they arise and with clarity.

Lower the tone (pitch) of your voice. A lower pitch is easier for the hearing impaired person to hear.

A person who has dementia loses the uncanny ability normal individuals have for judging the passage of time.