Talking to Alzheimer's: Simple Ways to Connect When You Visit with a Family Member or Friend

"Talking to Alzheimer's is quite remarkable: sensitive and tender in its tone, but also shrewd and useful. The whole book has this tenacious emphasis on genuine respectfulness; it all rings true and is written with so much informed respect for the loved person. I think it's a wise and lovely little book and I'm grateful to Claudia for writing it."
--Jonathan Kozol, Alzheimer's family member and author of Savage Inequalities, Amazing Grace, and Ordinary Resurrections

"Talking to Alzheimer's is a winner and I know it will strike a resounding chord with anyone who has been there. [Strauss'] fresh, resourceful approach helps us find meaning and a spiritual connection when visiting, and puts words in our mouths that change the experience of visiting and being visited."
--Lisa P. Gwyther, M.S.W., Director, Family Support Program, Duke University Center for Aging, founding member of the Alzheimer's Association

"Talking to Alzheimer's addresses head on both the practical and emotional difficulties experienced by loved ones and the effort it takes to respond as lovingly and constructively as possible when visiting. Strauss' approach is appropriately person-centered and validating: the only way to constructively interact with a person in the grip of dementia. Full of examples of what to do and say and what not to do and say, this is a valuable handbook to which a person can return again and again."
--John A. Jager, MSW, Executive Director of the Alzheimer's Association, New York City Chapter

"Strauss' book is all about hope. It reminds us to look at the person with Alzheimer's disease holistically and not focus only on the dementia. She offers suggestions that will enrich people's lives and preserve dignity."
--Kara P. Ray, R.N., Corporate Director of The Meadows Program, the Alzheimer's care program of Country Meadows Retirement Communitites

"Talking to Alzheimer's fills a major void in our knowledge. I found that this book significantly altered my conception of the problem and my ability an willingness to deal in a meaningful way with Alzheimer patients. I enthusiastically recommend this book to physicians of any discipline who encounter such patients in their practice, as well as to laymen who have family members or friends facing this devastating illness."
--E. Berry Hey, Jr., M.D., Senior Physician, Reading Hospital and Medical Center

"This is a clearly written and comprehensive book that addresses the common and uncommon issues that arise in caring for someone with Alzheimer disease. It is practical and never condescends. I highly recommend it ot anyone who has loved one suffering from dementia."
--Peter V. Rabins, M.D., Professor of Psychiatry, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and author of The 36-Hour Day

"I was so taken with this practical and warm approach to visiting and crating enjoyable and meaningful times with loved ones. Visiting is clearly recognized as an issue...and some families become so disappointed and disheartened that they stop coming. This targeted, doable book helps pe3ople come to terms with what they can really do."
--Betty Ransom, Director of Education and Training for the National Capital Area Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association

"Ms. Strauss gives page after page of specific advice to the reader, and I repetitively found myself wondering, 'Why hadn't I thought of that?' This book would be a welcome addition to any physician's waiting room."
--Peter A. Schwartz, M.D., Director, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reading Hospital and Medical Center

"This book recognizes that families need to rethink and rework what is meant by meaningful communication when faced with loved ones who suffer from dementia. Strauss unearths myriad possibilities for effective open-ended communication, provides detailed pointers on how to navigate through this territory, and shows the potential for sharing the joy of a profound human connection. Talking to Alzheimer's is designed to be used for hands-on help. But it is also a compassionate book that helps both friends and relatives make more meaningful connections under these new and constantly changing conditions."
--Nancy J. Brooks, Alzheimer's family member, and health, rehabilitation and social work professional