Dementia: Frank and Linda's Story: New Understanding, New Approaches, New Hope

Dementia affects 35 million people worldwide. Until recently, dementia sufferers were considered lost people in a living body. But thanks to a better understanding of how the brain works and how it is affected by dementia, experts and caregivers have developed a new method of caring that can help maintain the individual's personhood.

Practical, day-to-day advice on dementia, based on a true story

Dementia affects 35 million people worldwide. Until recently, dementia sufferers were considered lost people in a living body. But thanks to a better understanding of how the brain works and how it is affected by dementia, experts and caregivers have developed a new method of caring that can help maintain the individual's personhood.

Frank and Linda's story powerfully depicts this new approach to caregiving. Through a narrative that starts with the first, early signs, it focuses on the three important aspects of dementia--living, helping, and spiritual support. Built on the foundational Christian belief in the sanctity of all life, the book is filled with pointers and information, including an appendix that lists major support and research organizations.

This book describes how a new understanding of dementia is leading to better care, helping to maintain the personality of the sufferer. It also offers practical, day to day advice from a hands-on perspective, using a narrative structure. It follows the story of an older couple, Linda and Frank. Frank develops dementia. The story covers the first, early signs and the development of the disease; the couple's struggle to manage and find help, the wife's failing health and the search for a suitable care home, and life after Frank goes to live in the home. An index at the back of the book allows readers to look up help on specific topics. Throughout, the narrative keeps a clear Christian perspective. For example, Linda finds that singing familiar hymns as she dusts around the house not only helps her feel better, but lifts Frank's spirits, too, and he will sometimes join in. Each chapter concludes with a short section of devotions for carers and sufferers.