Learning to Speak Alzheimer's: A Groundbreaking Approach for Everyone Dealing with the Disease

Book Synopsis: A guide to more successful communication for the millions of Americans caring for someone with dementia: “Offers a fresh approach and hope.”—NPR Revolutionizing the way we perceive and live with Alzheimer’s, Joanne Koenig Coste offers a practical approach to the emotional well-being of both patients and caregivers that emphasizes relating to patients in their own reality. Her accessible and comprehensive method, which she calls habilitation, works to enhance communication between care partners and patients and has proven successful with thousands of people living with dementia. Learning to Speak Alzheimer’s also offers hundreds of practical tips, including how to:

• cope with the diagnosis and adjust to the disease’s progression
• help the patient talk about the illness
• face the issue of driving
• make meals and bath times as pleasant as possible
• adjust room design for the patient’s comfort
• deal with wandering, paranoia, and aggression

“A fine addition to Alzheimer's and caregiving collections.”—Library Journal (starred review)

“Promises to transform not only the lives of patients but those of care providers…This book is a gift.”—Sue Levkoff, coauthor of Aging Well