Alzheimer's Matters: A Family Guide for Every Stage of the Disease From Pre-diagnosis to Death and Grieving

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when your loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia. The symptoms and progression of the disease vary from person to person, and there is so much you need to know in order to make the best decisions for care. In Alzheimer’s Matters, Dr. Baumgardner explains what families can expect at each stage of the disease, from pre-diagnosis to end-of-life. Dr. Baumgardner’s own grandmother, mother, and two uncles battled the disease, and her first-hand experience as her mother’s caregiver is an honest and unflinching look at how Alzheimer’s disease impacts all members of the family.

Dr. Baumgardner explores the latest research on Alzheimer’s disease, diagnosis, medications and treatment options, when and where to access clinical trials, housing options and long-term care, financial considerations, the importance of advance directives, and end-of-life care and bereavement issues. As the founder of Alzheimer’s Matters, a company dedicated to improving the quality of life, care, and support for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, she advocates for person-centered care approaches. Even when the dementia is most severe, your loved one can still experience joy, comfort, and meaning in life. Armed with the critical knowledge and resources they need, caregivers can face this difficult disease with compassion, confidence and resilience.