Learning to Speak Alzheimer's: A Groundbreaking Approach for Everyone Dealing with the Disease

From Library Journal: After a major stroke left her husband paralyzed, unable to speak, and with significant progressive memory loss, Coste became his caregiver while raising four children. Refusing to institutionalize him, she developed a humanistic approach to caregiving ("habilitation") that focuses on enhancing the individual's remaining functional, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual abilities by creating a positive atmosphere that promotes feelings of success.

Key elements of Coste's approach include simplifying the environment for the patient, capitalizing on his or her remaining skills, and making an effort to understand what life must be like for the memory impaired. Because such Alzheimer's behaviors as agitation and physical aggression are often rooted in frustration, she also offers caregivers techniques to help patients compensate for cognitive and sensory losses. Such methods include devising a daily routine filled with activities, physical exercise, snacks, and chores to reduce difficult behaviors and promote a good night's sleep. Directions for simple activities, recipes for nutritious "finger foods," and tips for hiring home caregivers are included. The level of care and involvement Coste describes is intense and may not be practical for all caregivers, but most activities can be modified to fit individual situations. A fine addition to Alzheimer's and caregiving collections.