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***Please feel free to access some of Nancy's articles via the internet: "Helping Families Affected by Alzheimer's" was the cover article for the January/February 2010 issue of Social Work Today, The Nation's Leading Newsmagazine for Social Workers:
http://www.socialworktoday.com/archive/012610p10.shtml § "Connecting with the Person Inside Alzheimer's" appeared in the July/August 2009 issue of Social Work Today, The Nation's Leading Newsmagazine for Social Workers: http://socialworktoday.com/archive/072009p26.shtml § "Persons with Dementia Speaking Out" is an article written by Nancy which is a synopsis of understandings gleened from her discussion with two early stage persons at the SC Alzheimer's Association 20th Annual Conference (2008) in Greenville, SC. To access this article, please visit: http://www.alz.org/sc/in_my_community_news.asp § A different version of "Connecting with the Person Inside Alzheimer's" appeared in All About Seniors magazine: http://www.stripedrock.org/all_for_seniors/pdf/articles/ConnectingAlz-GHC.pdf . § And yet another slant on "Connecting with the Person Inside Alzheimer's" appeared in the SC NASW Newsletter. To access this article, click onto http://scnasw.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=25 and then click on the "SC NASW July/October 2007 Newsletter".
For quick access, please click on one of the following:Bahr, M. The Memory Box (IL: A. Whitman & Company, 1992)
[A beautifully written book for children ages 7-11 depicting tender relationships positive action.]
Bell, Virginia and David Troxel. The Best Friends Approach to Alzheimer’s Care (Baltimore: Health Professions Press; Rev. ed., 2003)
[This book presents the Best Friends Model of Care, defining many of the ingredients for interacting with the person instead of the disease.]
Brawley, Elizabeth C. Designing for Alzheimer’s Disease: Strategies for Creating a Better Care Environment (New York: John Wiley and Sons, 1997)
[Presentation of design considerations for creating a safe and therapeutic environment for a person with dementia.]
Bryden, Christine. Dancing with Dementia: My Story of Living Positively with Dementia (London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2005)
[The author explores how dementia challenges our ideas of personal identity and the process of self-discovery it can bring about. She offers suggestions for care providers about what to do without demeaning the person.]
Burdock, Lydia. The Sunshine on My Face: A Read-Aloud Book for Memory-Challenged Adults (MD: Health Professions Press, 2004)
[This very unique 2-lap book is a perfect way for friends and family to communicate with persons with dementia and to find meaningful ways to fill the time during visits. It is wonderful for teens and adults.]
Castleman, Michael, Dolores Gallagher-Thompson, and Matthew Naythons. There’s Still a Person in There: The Complete Guide to Treating and Coping with Alzheimer’s (New York: A Perigee Book, 1999.
[An excellent, comprehensive resource while being optimistic and comforting.]
Coste, Joanne Koenig. Learning to Speak Alzheimer’s: A Groundbreaking Approach For Everyone Dealing with the Disease (Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2004)
[Offers practical tips for enhancing communication between patient and caregiver; presentation of habilitation model of care.]
Davidson, Ann. Alzheimer’s: A Love Story (NJ: Birch Lane Press/Carrol Publishing, 1977)
[A moving memoir of the wife of a person diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.]
DeBaggio, Thomas. Losing My Mind: An Intimate Look at Life with Alzheimer’s (New York: Free Press, 2002)
[Extraordinary, insightful first-person account of a man diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.]
DeBaggio, Thomas. When it Gets Dark: An Enlightened Reflection on Life with Alzheimer’s (New York: Free Press, 2003)
[The continuation of this man’s experience and insights.]
Fazio, Sam, Dorothy Seman, and Jane Stansell. Rethinking Alzheimer’s Care (Baltimore:
Health Professions Press, 1999)
[An excellent resource predominantly for care professionals which encourages the reframing of the Alzheimer’s experience; includes thought-provoking exercises which encourage exploration and implementation of person-centered caring.]
Feil, Naomi. The Validation Breakthrough: Simple Techniques for Communicating with
People with “Alzheimer’s-Type Dementia” (Baltimore: Health Professions Press; Second ed., 2002)
[Presents case studies that illustrate effective techniques that are appropriate when communicating with the person with Alzheimer’s disease at particularly the earlier stages of the disease process; emphasis on validation of feelings.]
Fox, Mem. Wilfred Gordon McDonald Partridge (CA: Kane/Miller Book Publishers,
1989)
[This wonderful, offbeat, beautifully illustrated book is about a little boy who lives next to a retirement home. It shows the capacity of children to help the elderly remember and is particularly notable in its non-patronizing focus on the elderly. It is written for children ages 4-8.]
Glenner, Joy A., et. al. When Your Loved One Has Dementia: A Simple Guide for
Caregivers (MD: Johns Hopkins University Press, 2005)
[The book's goal is sustaining loving family relationships between caregivers and the person with dementia. The emphasis is on communication, understanding, acceptance and personal growth through the caregiving experience.]
Gray-Davidson, Frena. The Alzheimer’s Sourcebook for Caregivers: A Practical Guide
For Getting Through the Day (IL: Lowell House, 1999)
[This book is written to families members to help in their understanding of healthy caregiving, discovering meaning and purpose in their caregiving, and developing more effective ways to deal with difficult situations and identify solutions.]
Guthrie, D. Grandpa Doesn’t Know It’s Me (New York: Human Sciences Press, 1986)
[A book written for children ages 4-8 that helps describe the symptoms and effects of Alzheimer’s disease.]
Hamdy, Ronald, et al., eds. Alzheimer’s Disease: A Handbook for Caregivers (St. Louis: Mosby; 3 ed., 1998)
[This book bridges information from interdisciplinary experts and family members. It is particularly helpful in offering practical information about the day to day care as well as practical ideas and solutions for finding support and local resources.]
Laminack, Lester. The Sunsets of Miss Olivia Wiggins (GA: Peachtree Publishers, 1998)
[This stoy reassures the reader that older persons can have a full inner life and will understand the importance of visiting them. It also speaks to the value of maintaining loving relationships. Written for ages 9-12.]
Mace, Nancy L. and Peter V. Rabins. The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide for Caring for
Persons with Alzheimer’s Disease, Related Dementing Illnesses, and Memory Loss in Later Life (NY: Warner Books; Rev. ed., 1999)
[Considered the bible of resources since its initial publication in 1981.]
Snyder, Lisa. Speaking our Minds: Personal Reflections from Individuals with
Alzheimer’s (NY: W. H. Freeman, 2000)
[The author has a discussion with seven persons reflecting how they have coped with the disease and provides some of her own experiences as a caregiver.]
Visiting Nurses Association of America. Caregiver’s Handbook: A Complete Guide To Home Health Care by the Visiting Nurses Association of America (NY: DK Publishing, Inc., 1998)
[This is a handbook written for those who are caring for the sick or the elderly. It offers practical suggestions and includes good illustrations of caregiving techniques and equipment.]
Warner, M. L. The Complete Guide to Alzheimer’s-Proofing Your Home (Indiana: Purdue University Press; Revised edition, 2000)
[A good resource for ideas in creating a safe and workable home environment.]
Books for Inspiration and Nourishment [top]
Albom, Mitch. Tuesdays with Morrie: An Old Man, a Young Man, and Life’s Greatest Lessons (NY: Broadway Books; Reprint edition, 2002)
[This simple, universally touching story is about a twinkling-eyed mensch who, even on his deathbed, teaches all about living robustly and fully.
Burnett, Frances H. The Secret Garden (NY: HarperTrophy; Reprint ed., 1998)
[This is a book for children of all ages. It weaves the “magical” or spiritual side of things with a fairy tale story of two neglected children who reach greater health and wisdom by the help of that “magic,” some good simple people, and a tragedy greater than themselves.]
Chödrön, Pema. When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times (Boston: Shambala Publications, Inc., 1977)
[Written in a graceful, conversational tone, Chödrön provides advice about how Tibetan Buddhism can help readers cope with the difficult realities of modern life. Many people felt it helpful in reshaping their perspective on life.]
Davis, Maggie Steincrohn. Caring in Remembered Ways (ME: Heartsong Books, 1999)
[This book is an inspiring collection of anecdotes and meditations that honors deep-seeing ways the heart knows. It is pure nourishment for the heart.]
Gawain, Shakti and Denise Grimshaw. Reflections in the Light: Daily Thoughts and Affirmations (CA: Nataraj Publishing; Second edition, 2003)
[This book gives readers an inspirational thought, a useful tool, or just some inspirational food for thought each day. Each entry has a heading, a short message or meditation, and an affirmation.]
Gibran, Kahlil. The Profit (NY: Knopf Publishing Group, 1923)
[This is a classic book of short essays on love, marriage, joy and sorrow, and much more that has inspired and advised many readers. The concise poetic statements of Gibran’s truth and wisdom are free of dogma, power structures and metaphysics.]
Halberstam, Yitta and Judith Leventhal. Small Miracles: Extraordinary Coincidences From Everyday Life (MA: Adams Media Corporation, 1997)
[This book is a collection of moving, heartwarming, and inspirational storiescontaining profound teachings, important moral lessons, and even what some people refer to as divine messages.]
Hayward, Susan. A Guide for the Advanced Soul: A Book of Insight (Australia: Hayward Books; 1999)
[This little book is filled with wisdom, knowledge and comforting quotes from Rumi, Emerson, Rilke, Goeth, and Whitman. Each page has a different quotation for reflection, guidance, and/or inspiration.]
Lamott, Anne. Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts in Faith (IA: Anchor Publications, 2000)
[Several people recommended this as a very delightful, funny, and touching collection of essays describing the author’s reluctant journey into faith. It is a spiritual writing that wonderfully uses concrete language, solid scenes, and believable metaphors—mixing some irreverence in with her wit.]
Moore, Thomas. Care of the Soul: A Guide for Cultivating Depth and Sacredness in Everyday Life (NY: HarperCollins Publ., 1992)
[This book is considered by many to be one of the best primers for soul work ever written. Moore encourages the reader to nurture the soul in everyday life and shows how to cultivate dignity, peace, and depth of character.]
Rushnell, Squire D. When God Winks: How the Power of Coincidence Guides Your Life(NY: Atria Books, 2002)
[The author provides a collection of confounding coincidences and encourages the reader to consider that recognition of synchronicities can be used to vastly improve our lives.]
Zukav, Gary. Thoughts from the Seat of the Soul: Meditations for Souls in Process (NY: Fireside, 2001)
[This spiral bound collection of 280 thoughts (inspired by his bestseller The Seat of the Soul is said to be packaged like a one-a-day vitamin. Some people found the quotations helpful throughout the day for spiritual guidance and reflection.]
Books for Expanding Awareness and Intuition [top]
Childre, Doc and Howard Martin. The HeartMath Solution (San Francisco: HarperCollins Publishers, 1999)
[This book provides a comprehensive system that provides information, helpful tools, and techniques to access your heart intelligence.]
Childre, Doc and Deborah Rozman. Transforming Stress: The HeartMath Solution for Relieving Worry, Fatigue, and Tension (CA: New Harbinger Publications, Inc., 2005)
[The title does not do justice to the content which leads the reader through a step-by-step process to release stress and anxiety, transforming that energy into peaceful, creative energy. Many helpful tools for learning how to live authentically from the heart.]
Gafni, Marc. Soul Prints: Your Path to Fulfillment (NY: Pocket Books, 2001) [The author merges ancient wisdom from an impressive breadth of resources with his profound insights and personalized sharing to create sage advice and practices for living in connection with the soul. This book conveys genuine warmth and is highly accessible and helpful to people of many faiths.] Chödrön, Pema and Frans Lanting, photographer. Pema Chödrön: Awakening the Heart
(Amber Lotus;2006) [This 2007 calendar features quotes from Ms. Chödrön’s book Comfortable with Uncertainty, which is designed to help us cultivate compassion and awareness in our daily challenges. These quotations are paired with the beautiful and meditative nature photography of Frans Lanting.]
Goldstein, Joseph and Jack Kornfield. Seeking the Heart of Wisdom (MA: Shambhala Publications, 2001)
[This classic text is a rich source of Buddhist wisdom and practice. It is an introductory guide that contains valuable exercises and offers trusted advice about working through the “difficulties and hindrances” that may arise while practicing.]
Kabat-Zinn, Jon, Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life (New York: Hyperion, 1994)
[For those who are drawn to meditation for the first time and to longtime practitioners, this book is a very clear and practical guide for reclaiming the ability to be fully present and to experience the richness of each moment.]
Millman, Dan. No Ordinary Moments: A Peaceful Warrior’s Guide to Daily Life (CA: H. J. Kramer Inc., 1992)
[Written in a straightforward, everyday manner, this book contains many useful exercises to help balance the body, liberate the mind, accept our emotions, and open our hearts.]
Nelson, Martia. Coming Home: The Return to True Self (CA: New World Library, 1993)
[Nelson offers simple suggestions for helping us integrate our human experience with our essential spiritual nature so we can express our full potential.]
Pearsall, Paul. The Hearts Code (NY: Broadway Books, 1999)
[Documenting the stories he tells with medical and psychological literature, the author shows how the human heart, not the brain, holds the secrets that link body, mind, and spirit.]
Prather, Hugh. The Little Book of Letting Go: A Revolutionary 30-day Program to Cleanse your Mind, Lift your Spirit and Replenish your Soul (ME: Conari Press, 2000)
[The author brings wit, wisdom, insight, and practical help into facilitating the process of “letting go” of some difficult attachments while offering ways to lift the soul to its maximum capabilities.]
Rosanoff, Nancy. Intuition Workout: A Practical Guide to Discovering and Developing Your Inner Knowing (CT: Aslan Publishing, 1991)
[ A step-by-step, thought-by-thought ‘how to’ guide for reaching and developing the latent intuitive capabilities within each of us.]
Seale, Alan. Intuitive Living: A Sacred Path (ME: Weiser Books, 2001)
[A gentle workbook that assumes an open curiosity about the basic tools of the spiritual life: meditations, journaling, body work, prayer, mindfulness, visualization.]
Shapiro, E. & D. Clear Mind Open Heart: Healing Yourself, Your Relationships, and the Planet (CA: The Crossing Press, 1998)
[This book teaches us how we can overcome our fear and guilt, experience loving relationships with ourselves and others, and use relaxation for magic and joy.]
Tolle, Eckart. The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment (CA: New World Library, 1999)
[The author’s message is simple: living in the now is the truest path to happiness and enlightenment. While this message may not seem stunningly original or fresh, the writing is clear writing and in a supportive, enthusiastic voice.]
Virtue, Doreen. Divine Guidance: How to Have a Dialogue with God and Your Guardian Angels (LA: Renaissance Books, 1998)
[This book offers a practical instruction in how to open your mind and free your heart and soul to receive communications from God and the angels; it maps out several clairvoyant styles and helps readers identify which style is their own.]
Walsh, Roger. Essential Spirituality: The 7 Central Practices to Awaken Heart and Mind (NY: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1999)
[Highly recommended by many people, this book identifies and brings together the shared practices found in the world’s religions and presents them in a very down-to-earth way, providing exercises that are simple, straightforward, and effective.]
Zukav, Gary and Linda Francis. The Heart of the Soul: Emotional Awareness (NY: Free Press, 2002)
[Drawing on Hindu and Buddhist thought, Taoism, Christianity, psychology and many other sources, the authors encourage readers to journey from their head to their heart in order to “empower the soul” through numerous exercises and activities.]
Books on Healing Touch [top]
Berkson, Devaki. The Foot Book: Healing the Body Through Foot Reflexology (San Francisco: HarperCollins Publishers, 1992)
[This book is a holistic guide to healing, integrating the use of reflexology, yoga, nutrition, herbology, acupuncture/acupressure, imagery/meditation and exercise.]
Brennan, Barbara. Hands of Light: A Guide to Healing Through the Human Energy Field (NY: Bantam Books, 1988)
[Described as a scientist’s look at the field of bioenergetic healing which offers specific techniques towards expanding the reader’s perceptual tools of healing, seeing auras, and spiritual healing.]
Dreamhealer, Adam. Dreamhealer 2 Guide to Self-Empowerment (Dreamhealer.com, 2004)
[Several people said that the information provided about energetic healing is inspiring while broken down into its simplest and purest form. There is some redundancy, but with simple and easy to understand instructions on how to clear your mind and see auras.]
Feltman, John (editor). Hands on Healing: Massage Remedies for Hundreds of Health Problems (PA: Rodale Press, 1991)
[This book takes a look at the more popular to the obscure forms of therapies which focus on the healing power of physical contact providing a lively account of the background and theory, potential benefits, and interviews.]
Harper, Tom. The Uncommon Touch: An Investigation of Spiritual Healing (Ontario: McClelland & Stewart, Inc., 1994)
[An examination of the phenomenon of spiritual healing from a more scientific perspective.
Krieger, Dolores. Accepting Your Power to Heal: The Personal Practice of Therapeutic Touch (VT: Bear & Company, 1993)
[Clear and easy to follow, this book encourages us to acknowledge our innate healing abilities and provides experiential exercises to teach basic Therapeutic Touch techniques.
Miles, Pamela. Reiki: A Comprehensive Guide (NY: J. P.Tarcher, 2006)
[Written in a language that is accessible to both the general public and seasoned professionals; an invaluable resource whether you have been attuned to Reiki or are simply exploring the possibility of learning more about this system of healing and spiritual development.]
Thei, John F. and Matthew Thei. Touch for Health (CA: DeVorss & Company, 2005)
[This is an updated edition of Thei’s 1973 practical guide to natural health using acupressure touch and massage. It is concise, easy to understand, nicely illustrated, and easy to put in practice.]
Sanford, Agnes. The Healing Gifts of the Spirit (San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1984)
[A step-by-step approach to spiritual healing that reflects the author's personal experience of the restorative power of prayer. A reliable and inspiring handbook for developing our innate capacity for richer living and richer giving through the healing gifts of the Spirit.]
CD's for Healing Sounds [top]
For a selection of calming CD's from your loved one's early adult years, visit www.best-alzheimers-products.com .
[This website is also a wonderful resource for a wide variety of ideas, activities and products that can be used to improve the quality of life of your person with Alzheimer's Disease and to make the job of the caregiver easier and more effective.]
Evenson, Dean & Soundings Ensemble. Sound Healing (Soundings of the Planets, 1998)This CD can be ordered at www.PeaceThroughMusic.com or through Amazon.
[What sets this CD apart from others of its ilk is that the pieces are musically sound and enjoyable to listen to. It provides an excellent accompaniment to simple relaxation, any healing treatment, or meditation.]
Fu, Grandmaster Wei Zhong. Emei Sacred Healing Sounds: For Healthy Internal Organs (International Qigong Association, 2003) This CD can be ordered from visiting the Emei Qigong website: www.emeiqigong.com.
[This CD consists of several healing sounds made by this Qigong master which are said to be universal sound codes which have vibrations that unlock healing energy and bring it down to this dimension.]
Hospice of the Valley's Dementia Program sells sing-along CD's in English, Spanish and Hebrew/Yiddish for only $5.00 (to simply cover the cost of shipping and handling). To order, send an email to: http://
This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
or call directlyat 602-636-6363.
[They will also forward lyrics and a guide to using music most effectively for person with advanced dementia. A current project is to slowly recite the 23rd Psalm over calming music for persons with advanced dementia.]
Various Artists. Classical Spirit (LIND Institute, 1999) This CD can only be ordered directly from Archedigm, Inc. Order on-line by sending an e-mail to
This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
or send your request to Archedigm, Inc., P.O. Box 1109, Olney, MD 20830-1109.
[This very special program of chants and choral masterpieces from the 12th century to the 20th century was designed by Linda Keiser Mardis. Many family have found this CD helpful for their own relaxation and revitalization.]
Various Artists. Harp Adagios: Over Two Hours of the World's Most Relaxing Music(Decca, 2005). This double CD can be ordered through Amazon.com.
[This CD is just one of many in the Decca Adagio series—all providing an excellent choice of pieces and a very good quality of performers. These slower paced pieces are soothing for persons with dementia and care providers alike.]
Various Artists. Relax with the Classics Series (LIND Institute, 1996) Various CDs from this series can be ordered at http://www.relaxwiththeclassics.com or by calling 1.800.LEARN.R.US.
[Recent studies have show that the beautifully soothing music in the Largo and Adagio CDs provide numerous health and wellness benefits, reduce verbally and physically agitated behaviors in persons with Alzheimer’s and are highly recommended for reducing stress. Their CDs entitled Pastorale, Andante, and are also highly beneficial.]
Videos or DVD's[top]
Iris. Judi Dench, Jim Broadbent, and Kate Winslet. (Available in VHS and DVD: BBC, Intermedia Films, Mirage Enterprises, and Miramax Films; 2001)
[This is a powerful true story of novelist Iris Murdoch and her husband John Bayley from their student days through her battle with Alzheimer’s disease. It portrays both the devastations of the disease process as well as the power of a loving relationship.]
Marvin’s Room. Meryl Streep, Diane Keaton, and Leonardo DiCaprio. (Available in VHS and DVD: Miramax Films; 1996)
[This is an excellent movie on many levels, one of which unearths the loving relationship between Diane Keaton’s character and her father who has a dementing illness. The movie highlights shifting family dymanics and relationships around problem solving care issues.]
Sensory Stimulation Resources[top]
Hospice of the Valley's Dementia Program has created the SOS™ (Stimulation of Senses) bag which contains items to help caregivers explore different ways to make meaningful connections. The bags are not sold, since they are easy to replicate, but the Hospice will share the list of items, how to use them and contact information for vendors they used to purchase items. In this way, families can customize whatever tastes, sounds, lotions, scents, books, etc. to maximize the experiences and comfort of their loved ones. For information about creating your own SOS™ bag, send an email to:
This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
or call directly to 602-636-6363.
Organizations to Know About [top]
Alzheimer’s Association 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Fl. 17
Chicago, IL 60601-7633
(312) 335-8700 or (800) 272-3900 – Toll free 24 hour Contact Center
www.alz.org
[The leading organization in the field that has a very user friendly web site; information on the disease, local chapters, multiple services, and resources supporting families and caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease.]
Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral Center (ADEAR)
ADEAR Center
Box 8250
Silver Spring, MD 20907-8250
(301) 495-3334 or (800) 438-4380
www.alzheimers.org
[Has a web site that is now integrated as part of the National Institute on Aging; order publications, search for clinical trials and literature, sign up for email alerts, link to information and referrals.]
Family Caregiver Alliance
180 Montgomery Street, Ste 1100
San Francisco, CA 94104
(415) 434-3388 or (800) 445-8106
www.caregiver.org
[A national nonprofit organization that provides education, multiple resources, and advocacy to help support and sustain caregivers of individuals who are chronically ill and elderly.]
National Family Caregivers Association
10400 Connecticut Avenue, Suite 500
Kensington, MD 20895-3944
(800) 896-3650
www.nfcacares.org
[Provides education, support, empowerment, and advocacy for family caregivers.]
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