Dementia is a neurological disorder that affects the cognitive functions of the brain, leading to memory loss, impaired judgment and personality changes. It's a condition that can make everyday life difficult for those living with it. While there is no known cure for dementia, there are ways to reduce its impact and manage symptoms. One of these ways is reading, as books can be a great source of entertainment and distraction for those with dementia. To help make the process of choosing a suitable book a little easier, we've put together a list of some of the best books for dementia patients.
1. The Forgetting: Alzheimer's: Portrait of an Epidemic
The Forgetting by David Shenk is an award-winning book that provides a powerful insight into the science and human impact of Alzheimer's disease. It follows the personal stories of three individuals who are living with the condition, offering a unique and powerful perspective on the challenges they face. The book gives an informative and compassionate look at Alzheimer's and how it affects individuals and their families.
2. Tuesdays with Morrie: An Old Man, a Young Man, and Life's Greatest Lesson
Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom is a classic book about life, death and friendship. It follows the story of Morrie, an elderly man who is living with terminal illness. As Morrie and Mitch meet each Tuesday, Morrie shares wisdom and insight on life and death, with a warmth and understanding that is deeply touching and comforting. This book is an uplifting and inspirational read for any dementia patient.
3. Still Alice
Still Alice by Lisa Genova is a compelling and moving novel that follows the story of Alice Howland, a cognitive psychology professor who is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease. As Alice's career and family life begins to unravel, she decides to document her experience with the condition in an effort to remain connected to her identity and find peace in the midst of her struggles. This book is an honest and powerful exploration of the realities of living with dementia.
4. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel by Deborah Moggach is a light-hearted and uplifting novel about a group of British retirees who decide to move to India. The book follows their adventures as they explore the country and its culture, learning to embrace the unexpected with humour and joy. It's a wonderful book to enjoy with dementia patients, as it offers a break from the difficulties of their everyday lives.
5. The Last Lecture
The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch is a powerful and inspiring memoir about life, death and understanding our mortality. It follows the story of Randy Pausch, a professor who was diagnosed with terminal cancer and gave a final lecture on how to make the most of life. This book is a touching reminder of the importance of living life to the fullest and cherishing every moment.
6. The Seven Sisters
The Seven Sisters by Lucinda Riley is a captivating novel about seven women who are all descended from the same ancestor. As the book follows their individual stories, it also offers insight into their connections and the secrets that link them. This is a great read for dementia patients, as it offers a distraction from everyday life and introduces them to the fascinating world of family secrets.
7. The Silver Linings Playbook
The Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick is a thought-provoking and inspiring novel about a man who is released from a mental hospital and must learn how to build a new life. The book follows his journey as he navigates relationships and learns to appreciate the good in his life. This is an uplifting and inspiring read for dementia patients, as it helps to remind them that it is still possible to find joy and hope in difficult times.
8. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon is a fascinating and intelligent novel about a 15-year-old boy with autism who decides to investigate the murder of a neighbour's dog. The book follows his journey as he navigates an unfamiliar world and discovers the truth about the crime. This is a great book for dementia patients as it offers an entertaining and educational read and helps to highlight the power of perseverance.
9. The Gift of Alzheimer's: A Mother, a Son and a Journey of Faith
The Gift of Alzheimer's by Barry J. Jacobs is an inspiring and moving book about a son's journey with his mother who is living with Alzheimer's disease. As Barry cares for his mother and learns to manage her condition, he discovers that there are moments of joy and beauty in the midst of her struggles. This is a powerful and uplifting book that offers comfort, hope and insight into the beauty of family.
10. The Last Goodbye
The Last Goodbye by Jillian Cantor is a touching and heartbreaking novel about a woman who is struggling to care for her mother who is living with Alzheimer's. As Lily slowly loses her mother to the disease, she discovers that her memories are still alive in the form of stories. This is a great read for dementia patients, as it's a reminder that memories can never truly be lost.
Conclusion
Dementia can be a difficult condition to manage and understand. Reading can be a great way to cope with the condition, as books provide an escape and a source of distraction. The books on this list are all suitable for dementia patients, offering an entertaining and uplifting read that can help to provide some respite from the realities of the condition. Whether you're looking for information, inspiration, or just a good story, there's something here for everyone.