Dad's Last Hunt Dementia - An Uninvited Guest or Alzheimer's - Not all It's Cracked Up to Be

My Mom and I didn't start out to write a book. She was keeping journals of Dad's behavior and medications because she is a nurse, and that's what nurse's do. I was writing down my experiences with Dad more as therapy for myself than anything else. Later we decided to pull all of it together and this is the result. The book will bring you through the experiences we had with my Grandpa's Alzheimer's and my Dad's Dementia. It tries to show what it's like to be a part of the downward spiral and the things that caused us anxiety, pain and joy. We also tried to talk about some of the more sensitive topics surrounding Dementia and Alzheimer's. For example, money and who should pay for care, violent behavior and why it occurs, and sex in the retirement home (mentioned sex in hopes that maybe more people will read our story). Below is some of the feedback we have received on our book. I really liked the two different perspectives. The concept of sharing the experiences of the son and the mother is a good one. You have a very moving story to tell. My favorite thing about your story is that it is such a sad and complex issue, but you manage to keep a great sense of humor throughout. I really enjoyed reading this. Your analogies of Gaydar and the Indian Caste system are great ways to get readers to understand what you are trying to convey. Insightful and Profound. The advice for someone with dementia drove me nuts. It is so sad. I thought the advice and prayer chapters were excellent. Love the Demdar--so true, and funny, in its grim way. Also loved the advice to the family and the advice to the dementia sufferer. Talk about a heart wrenching story. It's helpful getting both perspectives. Emotional impact palpable without violins or self-absorption. Your love for you Dad comes pouring through - it is heartening to read. The hunting scenes were vivid. This story hit a nerve as my Dad suffered a stroke. We dealt with some similar issues. What you wrote is heartfelt and I think many people will relate. Your humor infuses your stories with warmth and poignancy. There is a tension between the past and present and your efforts to preserve both. That is truly a gut-wrenching story. I know what it is like to watch your father deteriorate before your own eyes and your story brought back many memories. I try to think of my dad when he was young, healthy and vivacious but for me it is difficult to get past the way I saw him last. Sorry, I am blubbering but you stirred up a lot of emotions in me. Just always remember. There are a lot of guys who never took that last hunting trip with their dad and will forever wish that they had. You did. I hope you enjoy reading our book."