In Speaking our Minds, social worker Lisa Snyder gives readers the opportunity to hear from seven people living with Alzheimer’s. I think the greatest value of the book comes as a reminder that people with Alzheimer’s are people; as I was reading, I repeatedly thought about the value of a person not being in what they do but in what they are.

One thing I became more aware of was how easy it is to misjudge the cause by noticing an effect. For example, one woman had difficulty shaking hands, not because she couldn’t remember what to do when someone extended a hand to shake, but because visual-spatial difficulties made it impossible for her to grasp someone’s hand in the air.

I was inspired by the way people adapted to their new lives. Some simplified their belongings, making it easier to find what they wanted. A former magazine-editor adjusted his reading habits from traditional books to audio books and poetry and short stories.

The individuals represented different lifestyles. They were different ages and came from different religions. Some had supportive spouses; others had lost their spouses. Some had children; one young woman has to face a decision about whether or not to have children after learning that she inherited a genetic mutation which has an extremely high correlation with an early-onset form of Alzheimer’s.

I noticed a trend of loneliness. While these people enjoyed the company of spouses, friends, and those who worked with them, I sensed that most of them felt socially isolated. It is easy to see how there would be many practical difficulties in maintaining relationships, but I find that I have a certain social awkwardness from not knowing how to relate. I hope this book will help me to remember to get outside my comfort-zone and show people that I care about them, that communicating is important even if it is imperfect.

I think this would be an excellent book to read as someone personally impacted by Alzheimer’s or to read and give to show someone you care.

Related:

Have you read my review of Aging with Grace?