Lorna Drew thought her partner was carrying his absent-minded professor status too far, until he was diagnosed with Alzheimer Disease.
A thoughtful memoir and a wide-ranging handbook, Different Minds is an illuminating side-by-side account of life with Alzheimer Disease. Prepared with the assistance of the Alzheimer Society of New Brunswick, it offers practical advice on everything from reorganizing finances to dealing with emotions.
In intimate journal entries, Lorna expresses how hard she finds being both partner and caregiver, while Leo shares knowledge gathered from experience and extensive reading. His vivid descriptions of how a person fighting Alzheimer Disease interprets his strange new world are invaluable to people newly diagnosed with this disease and to their loved ones and caregivers.
Featuring a detailed bibliography, a list of useful Web sites and helpful suggestions like making checklists, how to stay active or where to look for support, Different Minds is a unique guide to coping with mutual distress while enjoying life together.
"Their voices — that of caretaker and caretaken — mingle tenderly even as they offer a number of practical tips for coping with the day-to-day realities and emotional upheavals of the disease."
"Their writing is candid, honest and infused with Ferrari's humour and Drew's sober optimism."