Book Review: Handling Alzheimer's with Courage

Book Review: Handling Alzheimer’s with Courage By Wg Cdr DP Sabharwal

Beautifully narrates the touching story of a caregiver husband who looked after his Alzheimer’s wife for eleven years.  Initial wrong diagnosis wasting away precious two years, slow and steady progression (decline) from bad to worse, daily struggle to manage the most difficult and non-cooperating patient, sheer exhaustion leading to mental dilemmas, waning patience and constant wondering what is in store next day – all are discussed thread bare in most vivid detail.

First chapter describes eight distinguishable stages of AD. The second chapter asks “why her?” for which there is no answer.  Aspects like: absence of a cure, uncertainty of period of suffering ahead, struggles to come to terms with reality are dealt with deftly.  Subsequent chapters deal with decline to death. Part B shows what he did and how he handled various situations. Giving medicine and food, physical caring – toileting, bathing, walking and all minute details of everyday happenings are mentioned.

The last chapter gives practical tips to the caregiver on:  the need to visit doctor regularly, allowing patient to participate in conversation, not even hinting at deteriorating status, being aware that patient’s senses are alive, remembering that patient’s acts are unintentional, taking doctor’s advice seriously. What to forget and what to remember etc. Never succumb to guilt feelings and never grudge bad moments, advises this author.

A copy of the book was given to all participants of Dementia 2018 – International Symposium on Dementia and 22^nd National Conference of ARDSI recently held in Bangalore. We have heard of ‘return-gifts’ being given in parties. What a better gift can I get after spending three intensely interesting and useful days of lectures, poster sessions, quizzes, slogans, entertainment, mingling with dignitaries etc – all connected with AD? This book is a veritable Bible for Dementia caregivers. It will encourage caregivers to face hardships bravely, armed with deeper understanding of dementia, nay, AD patients in particular.

Handling Alzheimer’s with courage by Wg Cdr DP Sabhariwal, Veteran. Publisher: Aero Academy Bengaluru Second Ed 2018 Rs 150/- Pages 112.  aerosaby@gmail.com

Book Review: Remember Me - You Me and Dementia: By Sailesh Mishra

Remember Me: You Me and Dementia: By Sailesh Mishra Published by Silver Innings, Mumbai Oct 2017 pp xii + 253 Price Rs 450/ - Available through Amazon

(Book Review by Dr P Vyasamoorthy)

This book by Sailesh Mishra, who has over a decade of experience in elder care, is a timely addition to  Indian literature on the topic. It has about 50 chapters. Three chapters (ch 1-3) explain basics of dementia and two more (Ch 8 &9) deal with differentiating dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Specific issues / problems like: memory loss, incontinence, hallucinations, depression, delusions, aggressive behaviour, wandering away, bed sores are dealt with in separate chapters.

Care giving activities like Washing, bathing, giving food, dressing, dental care, keeping patients occupied with hobbies, pastimes or games have again been dealt with chapters in their own right.

As many as seven poems are included indicating that poetic expression lends itself to cathartic emotiveness. Just giving one example, Sarala’s poem  “Dementia, the Demon” typifies an AD patient and depicts the frustrations of a caregiver.

Advice to caregivers on avoiding care giver stress is provided.  Role of community in care provision take up two chapters (Ch 47 & 49).  Chapters 44 & 25 answer the most frequently asked question: “I am becoming forgetful; am I slipping into AD?”

Chapter 26 “What if I have dementia?” will surely be comforting to many seniors

who are likely to be diagnosed for AD as it gives practical tips. “Living Alone” also falls into this category.

End Matter contains endorsements, acknowledgements, resources, and references. References lean heavily on the sub theme of non-pharma approach to dealing with   dementia.  Afterword by Prof Siva Raju adds credibility to the author.

One small advice when the book goes for revision: In the Table of Contents, some chapter headings are in bold and others are in normal font giving an incorrect impression that the chapters are grouped according to some sub topics.  If chapters are really grouped into sub themes it will be very useful.

On the whole the book is neatly produced, cover design is attractive and the pricing is just right for Indian market. It will be useful to students and teachers of gerontology and geriatrics, doctors, Managers of Care giving centers, Caregivers and trainers and to any library in Senior Citizens   Associations.   

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