Book Review: Truth, Lies & Alzheimer's: Its Secret Faces by Lisa Skinner

 Disclosure / Disclaimer: I received this ebook, free of charge,from the author, for review purposes on this blog. No other compensation, monetary or in kind, has been received or implied for this post. Nor was I told how to post about them. All opinions are my own 

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, it’s estimated that nearly 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s in 2021.

That number is, in fact, projected to nearly triple to approximately 14 million by 2060. 

Even though this disease continues to increase in prevalence and severity in our society, it is still quite a misunderstood disease. No one patient is the same… making it difficult for caretakers and loved ones to find beneficial solutions tailored specifically to the individual. 

That is why it is crucial for both those struggling with the disease, and loved ones looking for answers and guidance, to be able to identify key symptoms, behaviors, and possible solutions in order to promote their overall health and wellbeing. 

Synopsis:

TRUTH, LIES & ALZHEIMER'S Its Secret Faces Is a concise guide to navigating the heartbreaking challenges of having a loved one diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias.

Through a rich trove of stories culled from her years in the eldercare industry, Lisa Skinner offers insight into the difficult questions families face, including:

- How do I respond to a loved one's false belief?

- Am I abandoning my parent if I place them in the care of professionals?

- How do we make the best of our time left together?

Skinner's original thinking and counter-intuitive solutions provide family members, spouses, children, caregivers, and others with the tools they need to effectively manage the symptoms of brain disease.

Readers of her book will feel empowered to work through the difficulties of the disease, and return to what matters - enjoying their remaining time with their loved one.

Review:

This is a very small book at only 62 pages, so it's a quick read. Lisa starts with some very basic info and then goes into different chapters that offer examples of real life patients, with different forms of dementia. After each story, Lisa then gives the reader more info on that type of dementia. At the end she offers more info on dementia and its causes and then offers a valuable set of timelines, that offer up typical symptoms. Call it a check list or a what can happen list, but it's a good way to see where your family friend/member may be at in their stage of combating dementia. For those who are already caretakers, the book lets you know you are not alone in things you may have already experienced. For those not at a diagnose yet, you may see an example that brings home the obvious and gets you asking the doctor for more info. Overall it's a good starting book, and one that can easily be passed between siblings, who are questioning whether a parent actually has dementia. With the holiday season upon us, it may be time to give this book a read, before dealing with elderly family members!

About the Author:

Lisa Skinner is a behavioral expert in the field of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. In her 20-year career as a community counsellor and regional director of senior care facilities, she has helped thousands of families find the best care options for their loved ones. She holds an Administrator’s license through the California Department of Social Services. As a trainer, advisor and public speaker, Skinner has dedicated her career to teaching people the skills to effectively manage brain disease.