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BETWEEN TWO WORLDS by Ellen P. Young

BETWEEN TWO WORLDS

Special Moments of Alzheimer's and Dementia

by Ellen P. Young

Pub Date: May 1st, 1999
ISBN: 1-57392-697-3

A comforting companion for those coping with Alzheimer’s; a collection of vignettes of awkward and/or frightening situations are here cast in a gentle, humorous light that helps take the edge off of pain and frustration. Social worker Young knows all the physiology and the statistics relating to this disease of dementia—but she is also at the front line: having first nursed an aunt to her death from Alzheimer’s, Young is now on a similar path caring for her mother. Young knows the reality: it is a toss-up as to who suffers more, patient or caregiver. But she urges us, successfully, to “access mirth”: find humor in the most difficult situations, carry on day by day or hour by hour if necessary, try to humor the person with Alzheimer’s wherever possible, avoid arguments—hers is a steadying, encouraging tone that can help caregivers find one more small reserve of strength. Case story after case story (loosely grouped by subject) touches on the daily struggles of coping with the disease: running away, undressing in public, attacks on family members. Throughout, Young’s voice helps readers focus on the gentle humor of the situation rather than the overall tragedy. Not a reference, then; just a quiet, boost toward the brighter side of a difficult time. (photos)