Publisher's Synopsis
YOU MUST HAVE THIS BOOK IF YOU KNOW SOMEONE LIVING WITH ALZHEIMER'S OR ANOTHER TYPE OF DEMENTIA
This is best book I have seen on how to life fully and joyfully with dementia. (Karen Love, Executive Director of the Dementia Action Alliance)
Don't Rain on My Parade addresses a crucial question in an aging world with over 20 million people globally diagnosed with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia each year. If you have dementia, how can you plan to 'live a full life' as an independent, adult being-a life that is complete and filled will thousands of positive moments?
The book is a "how to" based on research, psychology and the stories of many heroes living fully with dementia today and shouting out their experiences and needs in books and blogs. It offers a positive, person-centered approach to Alzheimer's written directly to people in the early and mid-stages (and their associated family/friends/caregivers).
It offers information on communication, living with hope, dealing with anger, humor, preserving a personal history and many more ideas to support living intentionally, independently and happily. It looks at the growing emphasis on the use of technology to support living with dementia, describes the concept of a 'companion mind' to help retain one's personal history and reviews current developments in this area.
What is unique about this book is that it was written for people with dementia. Brian LeBlanc, living with early-onset Alzheimer's, writes: The magic of Fenker's book is that it is all about me and people like me. Richard does a phenomenal job as a guide through the world of Alzheimer's. I don't like when people say I suffer from Alzheimer's or I am an Alzheimer's patient. I am simply "living with Alzheimer's" and, although every day is a challenge, I live it fully.
The core message of the book is that, with some help, you can live a full life as an independent adult with dementia, a life filled with thousands of joyful moments. As Chapter 1 describes, living fully depends on "Making a Choice" to not let the negativity that surrounds society's view of dementia become your reality.
The book is formatted with large type and brief chapter summaries to support individuals with dementia and other challenges due to aging or short-term memory loss. The entire contents of the book can found, in abbreviated form, in the chapter summaries.
Praised by many national leaders in the Alzheimer's area, Jackie Pinkowitz, Cofounder of the Dementia Action Alliance states: This book nurtures the spark those living with dementia need to preserve their independence and will to live meaningful lives. Dr. Fenker speaks with warmth and authenticity about dignity, individuality and self-determination.
