More than 5.3 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer's, and nearly 11 million family members and friends serve as unpaid caregivers. "Love, Loss, and Laughter" challenges the typical perception of people with Alzheimer's as "empty shells," lost to themselves and others. Endorsed by Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI), this important work melds uplifting photographs with thoughtful text by the author, care partners, researchers, medical practitioners, social care providers, activists, and people living with dementia diagnoses. While research for a cure will one day bring an end to the problem, this inspirational book shows and tells how today we can achieve ADI's vision of "a better life for people with dementia and their carers."More than one hundred touching photographs--taken in homes, memory clinics, day programs, and residential centers in the US, France, India, Japan, the Dominican Republic and Canada--are interwoven with insightful commentaries from thirty-five international contributors whose personal experiences and statements about good practices reinforce the author's message: people with dementia retain vital capacities. Their quality of life can be significantly enhanced via person-centered care that increases confidence, nourishes capacities, and opens better communication strategies.While there is great sadness in losing one's cognitive abilities, family members and caregivers can also share a wealth of love and moments of joy. With the help of this book, our view of Alzheimer's can shift from "the long goodbye" to "the long hello."

Reviews

"Through powerful images and empowering messages, "Love, Loss, and Laughter: Seeing Alzheimer's Differently "offers a glimpse of the disease through an important new lens. This groundbreaking book provides honor, respect and dignity to people living with dementia and delivers comfort, support and understanding to their caregivers. Equal parts inspiring and informative, this book will go a long way in enhancing the quality of care, and the quality of life, of everyone touched by this disease."--Maria Shriver, journalist, activist, and best-selling author of six books, including "What's Happening to Grandpa?""" "" "This remarkable collection of photographs and commentaries creates an eye-opening perspective on persons with Alzheimer's Disease--still human, still loved, and still capable of joy. It will inspire anyone--professional or lay person--who has been touched by Alzheimer's."--Dr. Harvey Fineberg, President of the Institute of Medicine, National Academy of Sciences"" "The secret of this book is the secret of what really moves people to action. First, faces that express the full range of our humanity, vivid images that span the planet and test our emotional range. And second, stories of care that provide the backdrop for solid information on how to approach persons with dementia and their carers with respect and dignity." -- Michael Splaine, Former Director of Policy and Advocacy Programs in the Public Policy Division of the Alzheimer's Association "" "As someone with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, I can identify with the joy that people still feel in living and being involved, despite their cognitive decline due to the condition. This exceptional collection of photographs captures this beautifully. You can almost touch the joy, love, and laughter that emanates from the people involved; it is so tangible, you are lovingly invited into each picture to share the moment."--Lynda A. Hogg, Board member of ADI and author of the report "Dementia: Impact on Relatio