This book is written for anyone—caring professionals, family members and friends—who has the desire to bridge the gap between their known and comfortable worlds and the sometimes daunting uncharted territory of time spent with a person with dementia. Particularly unique are the chapters focusing on how to “be with” a person with dementia and how to encourage each person’s participation in decision-making and end-of-life processing at any point along the progression of the disease process. The storytelling format and included exercises help expand the reader’s potential for connections. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

Starred Review. One of the most devastating consequences of Alzheimer's disease for patients and their caretakers is the inevitable loss of the ability to communicate and form connections. In her first book, Pearce—a medical social worker with more than 20 years of experience working in long-term healthcare and hospice settings—reminds readers that there is a person inside Alzheimer's and other dementias who needs to be heard, seen, valued, and appreciated. Writing for family members, friends, healthcare professionals, and those who want to form and maintain meaningful connections with dementia patients, Pearce teaches her six principles of connection: intend a connection, free yourself of judgment, love, be open to being loved, silence, and thankfulness. Each chapter includes stories and anecdotes about people with Alzheimer's and ends with a summary and exercises for "working it out." Including resources and filled with practical wisdom, this groundbreaking, transformational, and informative book is highly recommended for all public and academic libraries.—Elizabeth M. Wavle, Elmira Coll. Lib., NY Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information