January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and we’re sharing some great fiction and non-fiction resources for anyone experiencing this disease (either personally or as a caregiver). A list with additional items in our collection can be found on our online catalogue.
Related events:
- Jan. 25: Virtual Spice Club for Brain Health
- The Alzheimer Society Huron Perth is hosting information sessions at the following branches:
- Jan. 17: Blyth Branch
- Jan. 19: Clinton Branch
- Jan. 23: Zurich Branch
- Feb. 10: Alice Munro Branch, Wingham
- Feb. 10: Howick Branch
Non-Fiction Memoirs – In Love by Amy Bloom
A powerful memoir by a New York Times bestselling author who shares her painful experience living through her husband’s diagnosis with Alzheimer’s and later supporting him in his decision to end his life on his own terms through a medically assisted death in Switzerland.
Non-Fiction Memoir – Four Umbrellas by June Hutton and Tony Wanless
A Canadian writing couple share their journey through early-onset Alzheimer’s. Available in print, ebook and audiobook.
Non-Fiction Memoir – On Pluto by Greg O’Brien
For close to 10 years, writer Greg O’Brien, diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s, has chronicled its progression as an embedded reporter inside the mind of this monster of a disease. Taking detailed notes and working off cognitive reserve, O’Brien offers an illuminating blueprint of strategies, faith, and humor needed to fight this disease, a day-to-day focus on living with Alzheimer’s, not dying with it.
General Non-Fiction – Living in the Moment by Elizabeth Landsverk
Perfect for caregivers and patients, this is a great guide to overcoming challenges and finding moments of joy in Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Available as an e-book and e-audiobook.
Fiction – How Lulu Lost Her Mind by Rachel Gibson
A mother-daughter story about living life to the fullest when the end is in sight. Told with heart and humor this book is a great look at the challenges of caring for a parent with Alzheimer’s disease.
Fiction – Still Alice by Lisa Genova
From New York Times bestselling author and neuroscientist Lisa Genova, Still Alice is still the definitive–and illuminating–novel about Alzheimer’s disease. Also a major motion picture starring Oscar winner Julianne Moore.
Films – The Father
An academy award nominated film starring Anthony Hopkins in which a man suffering from Alzheimer’s refuses all assistance from his daughter as he tries to make sense of his changing circumstances. He begins to doubt his loved ones, his own mind and even the fabric of his reality.
Films – The Notebook
Based on the classic Nicholas Sparks book, this is still one of the most beautiful and heartbreaking love stories about a couple who lose each other to Alzheimer’s.
Middle Grade Fiction – The Space Between Lost and Found by Sandy Stark-McGinnis
A great middle grade fiction book about a young girl dealing with her mother’s early-onset Alzheimer’s.
Middle Grade Fiction – Roll With It by Jamie Sumner
Twelve-year-old Ellie, who has cerebral palsy, finds her life transformed when she moves with her mother to small-town Oklahoma to help care for her grandfather, who has Alzheimer’s Disease.
Middle Grade Fiction – The Way Back Home by Allan Stratton
When Zoe Bird’s grandmother is put in a home due to her worsening Alzheimer’s, Zoe decides to break her out to search for her long-lost uncle.
Picture Book – Really and Truly by Émilie Rivard; illustrated by Anne-Claire Delisle
Charlie’s grandpa used to tell him all kinds of magical stories when he was young. But now a terrible disease has stolen away Grandpa’s memory, his words, and even his smile. Charlie decides to try to reconnect with his grandpa by telling him some of the old stories they used to share.