Books for Adults
I wanted this list to be longer but honestly haven’t wanted to read too much about the disease. Instead I take most of my guidance my from Mom’s physicians. I ask them what is coming next, what we should look out for and what they might be concerned about. Be upfront with the physician about how much help you have for your family member and see what they think.
Talking to Alzheimer’s- Simple Ways to Connect When You Visit a Family Member or Friend- don’t read this all at once. Use when you have a difficult moment and jump to the chapter that you need.
The Mind Diet Cookbook- Since there is data supporting the consumption of a MIND diet in the prevention of Alzheimer’s and dementia, this one feels worth reading.
30 Day Alzheimer’s Solution- a collection of recipes and inspiration from two physicians. I thought I would read this like a fun magazine. It really just made me sort of sad and I haven’t cooked anything from it yet.
The Dead Moms Club- Spoiler alert, my Mom passed away in 2021. A friend gave me this book with a note hoping that it wouldn’t offend me. Not only did it not offend me but I love this book and feel like the author and I should be friends.
This is my favorite journal and it’s $10.99 and it’s from Target. It’s short and focuses more on your intention for the day and what you are proud of. It’s the only one I’ve been able to consistently write in. Now get a nice pen.
Books for Children:
The Remember Balloons- great book for kids starting around 5. The illustrations are beautiful, showing families of different races and family combinations. So sad and made me cry but really helped my 7 year old. Maybe get a supportive family member to read it to your child because it’s SAD.
A Doll For Grandma- simple story that helps a child find a way to play and relate to an adult with Alzheimer’s.
The Invisible String- story for younger children about how we are all connected. Really useful if you need to be away from your children for a period of time to care for your parent.
Lifetimes- book about how everything has a lifetime and that’s just how life is- we only have this one lifetime.
Death is Stupid- best for ages 8+. This is written to talk kids through some of the rituals of death and how we are still close to the person after they die