Finding Joy In Alzheimer's: New Hope For Caregivers - Paperback

by MD Faan Daniel C. Potts (Author), Marie Marley Phd (Author)

Here's a hope-filled book about Alzheimer's caregiving. It was written by Marie Marley, PhD - a well-known author on dementia issues - and neurologist Daniel C. Potts, MD, FAAN, both experts on caregiving. With a Foreword by Maria Shriver, this groundbreaking volume will give you hope in the midst of the darkness of Alzheimer's and other dementias. You can come to terms with your loved one's condition and free yourself to experience joyous interactions. Part I covers a variety of issues, such as the authors' belief that people with Alzheimer's can still enjoy life, how to overcome denial, five especially difficult situations, the role of grief on the journey to acceptance, and letting go of resentment through making peace with God. In Part II the authors provide 55 helpful tips for visiting people with Alzheimer's. Part III consists of numerous short stories illustrating the authors' joyous interactions with their loved ones. The stories will warm your heart and light your way along the path to achieving true joy.

Author Biography

Marie Marley was an expert grant writer who, over the years, acquired a keen understanding of many geriatric topics, including dementia. However, none of that could have prepared her for the sometimes difficult demands of loving and caring for a person with Alzheimer's disease. The touching story of her lifelong relationship with Edward Theodoru is narrated in her uplifting, award-winning book, Come Back Early Today: A Memoir of Love, Alzheimer's and Joy. The book focuses on the time when Ed had Alzheimer's. Marie blogs regularly on the Huffington Post, the Alzheimer's Reading Room, Maria Shriver's Architects of Change website, and other Alzheimer's websites. She has published more than 250 articles on Alzheimer's caregiving on these sites and has made presentations on topics of interest to caregivers at support groups and professional meetings. Marie was a grant writer for more than 35 years, first at the University of Cincinnati Department of Family Medicine and then at the American Academy of Family Physicians. Now retired, she lives in Kansas City with her little Shih Tzu, Joey, and her new puppy, Christina. Ed would have been so delighted to meet them both. Daniel C. Potts, MD, FAAN is a neurologist, author, educator and champion of those with Alzheimer's disease and other Dementias and their caregivers. Currently on staff at the Tuscaloosa Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Potts is a Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology, was chosen as the AAN's 2008 Donald M. Palatucci Advocate of the Year, and is an Architect of Change at MariaShriver.com where he blogs monthly. A Pocket Guide for the Alzheimer's Caregiver, written by Dr. Potts and his wife, Ellen W. Potts, MBA is recommended as a resource by the AAN, the Alzheimer's Association, and Maria Shriver. On the medical school faculty of the Universities of Alabama and South Alabama, Dr. Potts also holds appointments in the Honors College and the Alabama Research Institute on Aging at The University of Alabama. Dr. Potts is co-convener and medical advisor of the ClergyAgainstAlzheimer's Network, and is Editor-in Chief of Seasons of Caring, a multi-faith collection of meditations for Dementia caregivers. Inspired by his father's transformation from sawmiller to watercolor artist in the throes of Dementia through person-centered care and the expressive arts, Dr. Potts seeks to make these therapies more widely available through his foundation, Cognitive Dynamics.