Mom and Dementia and Me

This book is the personal memoir of a daughter who discovers and tries to manage the onset of Lewy body dementia in her mother.

Written in clear English by a layperson, it is not technical or scientific. Instead, it highlights the daughter’s own experiences and lessons learned―as well as mistakes―as she embarks on an unwelcome journey. The aim of the book is to help others who suddenly find themselves in the role of caregiver, especially those who have little training or experience with dementia patients.

It discusses issues such as recognizing the early symptoms of dementia, how to adapt the home to support the person suffering from dementia, and how to secure and manage the services of medical doctors, home health care workers, and hospice nurses. It describes coping with the frightening symptoms of the disease, such as psychotic episodes, as well as some of the less serious side effects, such as brief memory losses. It also emphasizes the power and the importance of humor when one is faced with a deadly disease.

Lewy body dementia kills about 250,000 people a year in the United States. There is no cure. This book is candid and supportive in its discussion of how to prepare for the end.