Journey Through Alzheimer's

In this deeply moving chronicle of love and loss, cognitive psychologist Rick Gardner recounts his journey alongside his wife, Betty Ann, as she progresses through dementia and eventually Alzheimer's disease. Part love letter to his wife of 50 years, and part science narrative, Journey through Alzheimer's conveys in vivid detail Betty Ann's descent from her first understated symptoms to her subsequent cognitive decline. Gardner describes what happens in the brain when dementia occurs, including the deterioration of the five senses on cognitive functioning, and the effects aging plays in the process. The book is the only first-person account of decline of thinking and cognition into Alzheimer's written by a cognitive psychologist, and readers will appreciate the clarity of Gardner's insights, as well as his compassion and candor. This book will be especially helpful, as well as cathartic, to family and caregivers of those with Alzheimer's, although it is Gardner's tender portrayal of his commitment to the brilliant, vivacious Betty Ann that will remain with readers long after the final page is turned.