LITERATURE

Half the five million people in America with Alzheimer's disease are in the middle to late stages. The accepted notion of the medical establishment is that it is impossible to communicate with these individuals, and family members and friends should give up hope of being able to salvage a real relationship with their loved ones with Alzheimer's. By working with Alzheimer's patients and their families for more than sixteen years, author Judith London has learned that this is false, and, in fact, people can learn how to connect the dots of scattered information offered by people with Alzheimer's and maintain a sense of connection with their loved ones.

Compelling and inspiring anecdotes from the author's work reveal the depth of feeling and insight still present in advanced Alzheimer's patients. After each anecdote, the author explains the technique she used to draw meaning from the Alzheimer's patient's communication, then shows readers how to use it with their loved ones. The book also includes chapters of pertinent, accessible information on Alzheimer's that will help readers understand how the brain is affected by the disease.

Judith L. London, Ph.D., is a psychologist licensed in New York and California who has treated people with Alzheimer's and other dementias in public long-term care facilities for more than sixteen years. She has been adjunct professor at New York University, a stress management trainer and workshop leader, and a featured columnist on addictions. London conducts seminars on Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and maintaining brain health.