Speaking Our Minds

Gain exceptional insight into the world of the person with Alzheimer's through this enlightening collection of first-hand accounts. Speaking Our Minds provides an unparalleled view into the day-to-day experience of Alzheimer's through the reflections of seven diverse individuals with the disease. By interweaving each person's responses from in-depth interviews with her own thoughtful interpretation, dementia expert Lisa Snyder explores the many dimensions of the Alzheimer's experience. As a result, this rich text offers professionals, family caregivers, students, and people who have dementia the opportunity to learn more about The uniqueness of each person's experience and symptoms Coping strategies people use to face the changes and losses in their lives The changes that are experienced as the disease progresses Barriers to living full and dignified lives How to identify with and listen to persons with Alzheimer's Distinct issues for young-onset persons with dementia This book is ideal for people with early-stage Alzheimer's and related dementias as well as for anyone who interacts with that person, including professional or family caregivers, friends, and relatives. Discussion questions provide thoughtful material for use in coursework in aging and dementia, support groups, or book groups. The variety of backgrounds and perspectives of each featured person means that you will likely find similarities between the people in this book and your own personal experience. Whether this is your first introduction to Alzheimer's or you have an extensive knowledge of the disease, you are sure to learn from some or all of the brave and honest people who are featured. This book will transform the way you look at Alzheimer's and how you interact with those who have it.

Lisa Snyder is a clinical social worker and Director of the Quality of Life Programs for the Shiley-Marcos Alzheimer's Disease Research Center at the University of California, San Diego where she has counseled people with Alzheimer's and their families since 1987. She was one of the pioneers in developing support groups for people with mild dementia in the early 1990s and, in the years since, has focused on gaining a better understanding of the subjective experience of Alzheimer's and the concerns specific to families facing the earlier stages of the disease. Since 1995, she has been the publisher and editor for the international quarterly publication Perspectives - A Newsletter for Individuals with Alzheimer's or a Related Disorders which remains one of the few ongoing publications written specifically by and for people with dementia.