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My Story: Alzheimer's From the Inside Out
Thoughtful and self-reflective, Richard has written a collection of illuminating essays that offer a rare glimpse into the often incomprehensible world of individuals living with so-called Alzheimer's disease. Diagnosed at age 58, Richard shares a provocative and courageous account of his slow transformation and deterioration, and of the growing divide between his reality and the reality of others.
With poignant clarity, candor, and humor, Taylor addresses the complexity and emotions surrounding issues such as the loss of independence and personhood, unwanted personality shifts, the struggle to communicate, changing relationships with loved ones and friends, continuous declines in ability to perform familiar tasks, and never-ending uncertainty about the future.
Alzheimer's from the Inside Out is a captivating read for anyone affected by this mind-robbing condition. Individuals with early-stage Alzheimer's disease will take comfort in the voice of a fellow traveler experiencing similar challenges, frustrations, and triumphs. Family and professional caregivers will be enlightened by Taylor's revealing words, gaining a better understanding of an unfathomable world and how best to care for someone living in it. Read sample essays from Richard's book:
PRAISE FOR RICHARD'S BOOK
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... there is no end to the positive descriptors that can be attached to this amazing book by Richard Taylor. Alzheimer's from the Inside Out is not only a must read for persons with Alzheimer's and their personal and professional care partners, it is, plain and simple, a must read book. No matter how experienced and informed one is about Alzheimer's disease, Richard's capacity to eloquently share his questions and insights cause the reader to stop and re-think and to do it yet again on the second or third reading."
- Carol Bowlby Sifton, family caregiver, clinical dementia consultant, editor of Alzheimer's Care Quarterly, and author of Navigating the Alzheimer's Journey
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... Part Eric Berne, part Henry Fonda in On Golden Pond, part the final movement of Mahler's Das Lied von der Erde, this work moves one to tears."
- David O. Staats, M.D., University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Doody's Review Service
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After reading this book I have come to the conclusion that this is perhaps the most important book in the field of dementia care ever written. These poignant essays come from the heart and the soul of a sensitive and intellectually gifted man who has become a national champion and advocate for the millions of people living with this disease.
- Linda L. Buettner, Ph.D., CTRS, FGSA, Professor of Health Science, Florida Gulf Coast University
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... you will assimilate some of what the Alzheimer's patient feels. That will make you a better caregiver. If you, yourself, have Alzheimer's and are on the same journey as Richard Taylor, you will definitely want to read this book."
- Carol Bradley Bursack, OurAlzheimers.com
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... until Richard's story enlightened me with insight into an unimaginable world. Every family with an elderly loved one, and every medical professional who works with elders, should read this gripping and marvelous book!"
- Jacqueline Marcell, author of Elder Rage and host of Coping With Caregiving radio program
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... His story is one of exquisite sensitivity to the sometimes excruciating twists and turns of living with a chronic illness that slowly, progressively, robs him of his sense of self. Rather than the long litany of symptoms and signs to be managed in the biomedical narrative of the disease, Richard Taylor, like Cary Henderson and Thomas DeBaggio before him, confronts us with the experienced reality of Alzheimer's. This is an exceptional book, one that people diagnosed with AD and other dementias should read because they will see that they are not alone, that they are indeed comprehensible. For the rest of us, Alzheimer's from the Inside Out is a reminder that we care for people, not diseases, and as such, each person's story must be told and listened to."
- Robert E. Reichlin, Ph.D., private practice and Voluntary Faculty, Department of Medicine-Geriatrics, Baylor College of Medicine
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... Alzheimer's from the Inside Out describes the author's sometimes bumpy, but always insightful, journey with Alzheimer's disease. Telling his stories in a series of informative vignettes, Richard challenges us all to be more authentic and work to make life better for persons with dementia - not tomorrow, but today!"
- Virginia Bell, M.S.W., co-author of The Best Friends Approach to Alzheimer's Care
