Per the 2012 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report published by the Alzheimer’s Association, one in eight older Americans (over 65 years old) has Alzheimer’s and nearly half of the people 85 and older are afflicted with this insidious disease.

So just as the Baby Boomer generation is getting ready to enjoy retirement, their increasingly frail parents require their care, many of whom may be exhibiting signs of Alzheimer’s disease.

Caregiving takes its toll in many ways — mentally, emotionally, and physically. It is important to ask for and accept help as you come to grips with this enormous task in front of you.

There are lots of books on caregiving, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, which review the same topics in different ways.

“Understanding Dementia and Caregiving For Your Aging Parents From A to Z” attempts to look at the same subject matter through a different lens. While having a base of knowledge about the subject is important, information alone, or beyond a certain point, isn’t the only ingredient you will need in order to cope with a dementia diagnosis.

Consequently, this book is not an attempt to educate you on all the medical aspects of dementia, although they are touched on lightly. Instead, it speaks to you from the heart and a personal standpoint. It lets you know some of what to expect and the emotions and thoughts you might have in response to your loved one’s deteriorating condition, and it provides suggestions to help you cope with a loss that happens each and every day.

Written by a grief and relationship coach who understands the journey you are about to or have already started, for she is traveling on this road too.

For resource information on caregiving, visit: http://caregivingforagingparents.blogspot.com

Book available in soft-cover and digital versions via Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

 

Ellen Gerst

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Ellen Gerst is a Life Coach who specializes in grief and relationships, an author, and speaker. Widowed young at the age of 39, she writes from a “been there/done that” perspective. Losing her husband to suicide after 20 years of marriage set her on a path to finding her true self and the inner strength she possessed. She shares both her journey and her perspective on how to move gracefully and successfully through the grief journey. She is the author of “Suddenly Single," which is a compendium of articles covering the practical, emotional and spiritual aspects of the grief journey. She went on to capture the continuation of her story in the sequel to "Suddenly Single," aptly named: “Love After Loss: Writing The Rest of Your Story.” “Love After Loss” is a blueprint on how one can find new love after the loss of a partner from death, divorce, or break-up. It includes coaching exercises; how to Internet date; and how to have a healthy and successful relationship – all intertwined with true life dating tips and stories. Ellen has penned many other books on coping with grief, as well as others on such subjects as dating and relationships, caregiving for aging parents, spirituality, confidence building, the power of positive thought, suicide awareness, teen pregnancy prevention, fitness and weight loss, and social media and networking. She is also the co-editor of an anthology of real life changing stories, “Thin Threads of Grief & Renewal.” The stories tell of untold grief and how each author found personal renewal after his/her great loss. It is an inspirational volume for those mourning any sort of loss. To listen to Ellen's radio show: Click Here Visit Ellen on her website at http://www.LNGerst.com where she has various free downloads on coping with grief and finding love after loss. Join Ellen on Facebook for every day tips on finding love after loss and coping with grief. Finding Love After Loss http://bit.ly/cxipZ0 Words of Comfort To Pave Your Journey Of Loss http://www.facebook.com/WordsOfComfortToPaveYourJourneyOfLoss