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She's Still My Mom
Navigating Your Loved One's Journey with Alzheimer's
by
Laura K. Doan
Memory loss, dementia, Alzheimer’s—diagnoses that generate anxiety, fear, worry, and a host of other crippling emotions. These diseases are widespread, and the numbers of afflicted are escalating at an ever-increasing pace. It is not an exaggeration to say that each of us will be touched by dementia in some form during our lives. How can we respond with more confidence and understanding? How can we effectively support our loved ones, friends, and acquaintances as they traverse from the initial diagnosis through years of care and caregiving? She’s Still My Mom sheds light on Alzheimer’s and dementia, helping readers understand some of the changes they can expect in their loved ones and the adjustments they can make to respond to those changes. Not shying away from challenges, She’s Still My Mom tackles topics like anger, denial, caregiving options, family dynamics, and grief. In every instance, the guide unpacks the issues and provides understanding and practical strategies to cope with these challenges. Blending her personal experience of navigating Alzheimer’s disease with principles gained from her profession, educator Laura Doan demonstrates that there can be hope, moments of joy, and ongoing communication in the midst of the Alzheimer’s journey. Written with uncommon transparency, this very personal account offers tips, techniques, and attitudes that Laura used as she walked through dementia and Alzheimer’s with her mother and mother-in-law. With helpful insights and practical advice, She’s Still My Mom gives inspired, hands-on help to individuals, families, and caregivers who are supporting loved ones living with Alzheimer’s.
Laura K. Doan holds a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Calgary and is a professor of early childhood education at Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada. She has been an educator for thirty years. As she lived through Alzheimer’s with her family members, she realized that many of the principles that she learned and practised in her professional calling could be implemented to help navigate through the changes in her loved ones and to support them as the disease progressed. While not claiming to be an Alzheimer’s or dementia expert, Dr. Doan recognized that the strategies she adapted for use in her personal journey could benefit a wider audience. The result of her insight is She’s Still My Mom. Dr. Doan is a prolific author in the field of education with over thirty published articles and book chapters. Most recently, she has published The Induction of Early Childhood Educators: Retention, Needs, and Aspirations. Dr. Doan belongs to a number of early childhood education organizations and follows several Alzheimer’s support groups. She lives in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada, with her husband of thirty-one years. Readers can connect with her at www.laurakdoan.com or on Instagram at laurakdoan.
Contributors
- Author
- Laura K. Doan