Love in the Land of Dementia

Love in the Land of Dementia
Finding Hope in the Caregiver’s Journey
by Deborah Shouse
2006 Creativity Connection Press
613 W. 61 St
Kansas City, MO 64113
www.thecreativityconnection.com

This is Deborah’s story of caring for her mother who making the journey into the land of Dementia.  I made this same journey with my mother.  Reading her book I laughed and cried as I remembered my mother.  She talks about the progressive changes both physically and relationally that needed to be grieved by her, her dad, brother and her mother.  Deborah’s dad lived with her through many of these experiences.  But she lost him before she lost her mother.  
As the dementia progresses Deborah described the efforts she makes to try to connect.  Some are silly.  I recall doing the same thing with my mother.  She describes helping her mother move past anxiety, anger and confusion and find a smile of happiness to share becomes priceless.  Working to stay connected is important.
The family celebrated their Jewish faith and customs.  I respect putting faith into practice as she tells her story.
I can highly recommend this book as a helpful story to anyone moving through the land of Dementia and Alzheimer disease with a loved one.  The behavior changes, moods, dis-connect and humorous situations are not unique to this book, but those changes are very well described by Deborah Shouse.