Book description
Few conditions upon first diagnosis strike such terror into victims and
relatives as Alzheimer's disease. The dementia that is its best-known
symptom can provoke feelings of helplessness and despair, coupled with
fear that the patient will inevitably suffer loss of dignity and
self-respect. There is hope, however, and Joanne Koenig-Coste is well
qualified to say so. For over thirty years she has advocated and
practised a communication-based form of care. Now she has distilled her
experience into this encouraging and supportive book showing how, by
following a few straightforward and simple ideas, the quality of life of
sufferers can be dramatically improved, and their dignity and
self-respect renewed. Habilitation capitalizes on the remaining emotions
and skills of the patient and offers chances to feel successful by
reaching past the recognized losses, ignoring the failures, and
rejoicing in whatever still defines the essential humanity of the
sufferer. Perhaps as importantly, it also suggests ways that the carers
can care for themselves too. Learning to Speak Alzheimer's is a
practical guide to coping with a cruel disease. It offers a wealth of
information, understanding and advice, but above all it offers a message
of hope based on respect, common sense and quiet dignity. Joanne
Koenig-Coste is a recognized expert on Alzheimer's disease. She has
practised as a family therapist for over thirty years and during that
time has written and lectured widely on the illness. She has also
appeared on numerous television shows, including the NBC Nightly News
with Tom Brokaw.
