Beyond Still Alice: 5 Alzheimer's Books You May Have Missed

By

Literature is an incredible teacher.  This is certainly true about Still Alice, the best-selling book about a woman with early-onset Alzheimer’s.  Penned by Lisa Genova, Still Alice was made into a successful movie earlier this year.

However, there are other terrific books that address Alzheimer’s.  A few months ago, I learned about five authors who have teamed up to help promote Alzheimer’s disease awareness. It took me awhile to write this post, but I want to share these books — three memoirs and two novels written by three daughters, a nurse and a novelist.

First a little about Marianne Sciucco, the woman who brought these books to my attention.  Marianne is the author of Blue Hydrangeas, an Alzheimer’s love story.  She describes herself as “Not a nurse who writes.  A writer who happens to be a nurse.”

I’m intrigued already.

In her blog, Marianne tells how a textbook, while accurate, can’t fully capture the emotions surrounding Alzheimer’s disease.

Marianne writes, “…stories that enlighten through the careful balance of useful facts and a cast of relatable and realistic characters may be a better way to shed light on this and many other medical issues. This type of presentation enables the reader to get inside the head of the Alzheimer’s patient, their caregivers, spouse, children, and other loved ones. It’s up close and personal, not clinical and removed.”

Well said.

Below is a list of the five books and authors:

Alzheimer’s Daughter, a memoir written by Jean Lee

Somebody Stole My Iron, A Family Memoir of Dementia, written by Vicki Tapia

Still Time, a novel penned by Maria Hoagland

My Mom My Hero, a memoir written by Lisa Hirsch

Blue Hydrangeas, an Alzheimer’s Love Story, a novel authored by Marianne Sciucco

If you like what you see, you will find it easy to share the information.  Marianne has created a blog post available for reprint, including handy links and cool graphics.  She has also provided a synopsis and highlights for each book. “Beyond Still Alice: 5 Alzheimer’s Books You May Have Missed,” is available to view and share at this link.

Nancy Wurtzel, a frequent contributor to thirdAge, is the editor of the blog www.datingdementia.com.