Thoughtful Dementia Care: Understanding the Dementia Experience

An easy-to-read and sensitive portrayal of the changing world of people with dementia due to Alzheimer's disease or other diseases, and those who care for them. Offers insights into emotional reactions and practical suggestions based on deep understanding of the way people with dementia view many situations.
The author carefully explains the loss of various types of memory and other thinking processes. She describes how these losses affect the day to day life of people with dementia, their understanding of the world around them and their personal situations. The many portrayals of real life experiences clarify and deepen the explanations. Jennifer is a nurse who worked for many years as an educator and counsellor for people with dementia and their families, as well as others in caring roles. She addresses the emotional and grief issues in the contexts in which they arise for families living with dementia. This book is intentionally written in easily understood plain language. "Thoughtful Dementia Care" is an expansion of the free paper by the same author, "Understanding the Dementia Experience", which has been widely distributed online and received much praise over the past ten years.
The shorter paper is featured on websites for carers of people with Alzheimer’s disease or a related disease, and has been downloaded by thousands of people. Here are some of their comments:
“This is one of the best things that I have read on the subject of Alzheimer’s.”
“I’ve only gotten to page 4 and I’ve found the answers to half a dozen situations that have been driving me crazy.”
“Most books are more high-level and don’t address the moment-to moment issues that can arise. Your article cuts to the emotional and practical core of things, and for that I am grateful.”
“Great article. Going to make copies of it and give them to family and friends that keep saying to me, ‘But he seems OK to me.’ One of the best articles I have read.”
“I printed a copy of this article because I believe it may be the best I have read to help those who are not impaired understand our experience. I am deeply grateful to Jennifer Ghent-Fuller for writing such a wonderful piece.”
“The most helpful article I have found as I attempt to understand the changes in my father’s behaviour.”
“The paper examines how everyday life changes for Alzheimer’s patients and their families as the disease progresses. The paper also gives a tremendous amount of insight in to the way Alzheimer’s patients view different situations and offers suggestions about how to interact and cope.”
“An excellent article that is frequently recommended.”
“The touchstone for entering our loved one’s new reality and learning how to respond to confusing behaviours.”
“I have had the opportunity to read many scientific and lay articles but this was one of the best I have ever read.”
“This author must be someone very special. Her understanding of the disease process and her translation for caregivers in the home setting as well as in the healthcare field is so helpful.”
“Very instructive reading. It is written in a lively conversational manner that very well suits the caregivers of Alzheimer Disease patients.”
“A wonderful, easily understood article on dementia.”
“It is with immense honor that I send you my heartfelt thank you for your wonderful and amazing paper, ‘Understanding the Dementia Experience.’ This is the single most often recommended body of work that we refer families and caregivers to. You have touched hundreds and hundreds into the thousands of caregivers and families from all over the planet.”

• The Dementia Handbook: How to Provide Dementia Care at Home
• When Reasoning No Longer Works: A Practical Guide for Caregivers Dealing with Dementia & Alzheimer's Care
• What to do Between the Tears... A Practical Guide to Dealing with a Dementia or Alzheimer's Diagnosis in the Family: Feel less overwhelmed and more empowered. You don't have to go through this alone
• Dementia, Alzheimer's Disease Stages, Treatments, and Other Medical Considerations (Alzheimer's Roadmap Book 2)
• The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for People Who Have Alzheimer Disease, Other Dementias, and Memory Loss (A Johns Hopkins Press Health Book)
• Alzheimer's Through the Stages: A Caregiver's Guide
• Ahead of Dementia: A Real-World, Upfront, Straightforward, Step-by-Step Guide for Family Caregivers
• Dementia or Alzheimer's: A Daughter's Guide to Home Care from the Early Signs and Onset of Dementia through the Various Alzheimer Stages
• The Caregiver's Toolbox: Checklists, Forms, Resources, Mobile Apps, and Straight Talk to Help You Provide Compassionate Care
• Creating Moments of Joy Along the Alzheimer's Journey: A Guide for Families and Caregivers, Fifth Edition, Revised and Expanded