Dementia is an umbrella term for a range of disorders involving memory loss and altered decision-making, such as Alzheimer’s disease. These incurable conditions affect an estimated 5 million Americans aged 65 and up, with twice as many women as men being impacted. Despite being more common in older people, dementia is not a normal part of aging, causing severe struggles with communication, attention, and other basic cognitive skills for those affected by Alzheimer’s, thus impairing their ability to function normally. Patients typically need assistance from a caregiver, especially as their disease progresses, with their partners and/or family members often shouldering this responsibility. Dealing with dementia can be difficult, but arming yourself with up-to-date information can help. And there’s reason to have hope: Researchers have found that certain lifestyle changes can help reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Below are 12 essential books about dementia disorders, including essential caretaking guidebooks, prevention overviews, and moving memoirs that will deepen your understanding of these complex diseases. Whether you were just diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, have spent years caring for a loved one with dementia, or simply want to learn more about these conditions, these essential reads can help.
‘Travelers to Unimaginable Lands’ by Dasha Kiper
The former consulting clinical director of support groups at The CaringKind, Dasha Kiper is an experienced counselor for people with dementia and their loved ones. In “Travelers to Unimaginable Lands,” she explores the impact of caring for a dementia patient, combining real-life case studies with robust neurological research. It’s an unflinching but deeply compassionate portrait of the plight of caregiving, and the toll it can take on relationships.
‘Living in the Moment’ by Elizabeth Landsverk with Heather Millar
Billed as the What to Expect When You’re Expecting for dementia disorders, “Living in the Moment” is a comprehensive guide to navigating everyday difficulties for both patients and caregivers. Author Dr. Elizabeth Landsverk is the founder of ElderConsult Geriatric Medicine and has more than 20 years of experience treating elderly patients, including people with Alzheimer’s and dementia. This book distills her wealth of knowledge in a practical, reassuring way. It’s an ideal resource for anyone whose lives are touched by a dementia diagnosis.
‘The 36-Hour Day’ by Nancy L. Mace and Peter V. Rabins
“The 36-Hour Day,” now in its 7th edition, is a go-to guidebook for families and caregivers of people with dementia disorders. Authors Nancy L. Mace and Dr. Peter V. Rabins are experts in the space: Mace is a former board member of the Alzheimer’s Association, and Dr. Rabins is a professor emeritus at Johns Hopkins with more than 40 years of experience researching and treating dementia. Together, they unpack the latest research on dementia, including preventative techniques and innovative therapies, and provide practical strategies for avoiding caregiver burnout.
‘Remember’ by Lisa Genova
“Remember: The Science of Memory and the Art of Forgetting” is a New York Times-bestselling deep-dive into the neurobiological intricacies of memory by Dr. Lisa Genova, a Harvard-educated neuroscientist and acclaimed novelist. The book delves into how memories are made, why we forget, as well as detailing which types of forgetting are normal or concerning in relation to dementia disorders.
‘The End of Alzheimer’s’ by Dale E. Bredesen
Dr. Dale E. Bredesen is an internationally renowned expert on neurodegenerative disorders who has spent his career researching and developing innovative treatments for dementia. In “The End of Alzheimer’s,” he explains 36 metabolic factors that can contribute to cognitive decline, and outlines his pioneering step-by-step protocol to balance out these factors, which has seen impressive success in clinical settings.
‘Omega Farm’ by Martha McPhee
Martha McPhee is an acclaimed novelist and National Book Award finalist. In “Omega Farm: A Memoir,” she recounts caring for her mother, who was living with severe dementia, while staying at her childhood home in New Jersey. The more time she spends at Omega Farm, the more memories surface, forcing her to reckon with the chaos of her childhood. It is a poignant tale of personal and collective care and can be a comfort to those dealing with similar situations.
‘The Caregiver’s Guide to Dementia’ by Gail Weatherill
Gail Weatherill, a dementia nurse, is devoted to educating and supporting caregivers. “The Caregiver’s Guide to Dementia” is a distillation of her tried-and-true tips to make caregiving more manageable. It helps readers understand what dementia is, how caregiving can impact you personally, and what caregivers need to know to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.
‘Somebody I Used to Know’ by Wendy Mitchell
In her bestselling memoir, British author Wendy Mitchell recounts grappling with her early-onset Alzheimer’s diagnosis and learning to manage her symptoms. Mitchell was still living independently four years after her diagnosis — an impressive feat she attributes to shifting her mindset and taking practical steps to assist her memory. She’s dedicated her life to demystifying Alzheimer’s for patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers alike.
‘Dementia Reimagined’ by Tia Powell
Drawing on her decades of experience as a psychiatrist and bioethicist, Dr. Tia Powell explores the cultural and scientific history of dementia disorders. Instead of focusing exclusively on “finding a cure” for dementia, she argues for a deeper and more holistic appreciation for care.
‘On Vanishing’ by Lynn Casteel Harper
A Baptist minister and nurse chaplain, Harper wrestles with the existential questions surrounding dementia, memory loss, and mortality. Her book is a comforting read for anyone coping with a dementia diagnosis.
‘When Waves Rise’ by Sarah Viola
” When Waves Rise: Navigating Difficult Moments Associated With Dementia” provides actionable advice for caregivers grounded in the experience of the author, who specializes in caring for people with cognitive decline and dementia disorders.
‘Before I Forget’ by B. Smith and Dan Gasby with Michael Shnayerson
Before I Forget chronicles the journey of the late B. Smith, who received her Alzheimer’s diagnosis at 66 years old, and her family living and coping with this life-altering disease. With the help of Vanity Fair journalist Michael Shnayerson, Smith and her husband, Dan Gasby, address their challenges and existential dilemmas with candor and vulnerability.
