Rose Dog Books. 2010. c69p. ISBN 978-1-4349-9791-3. $11.00. ISBN 978-1-4349-4123-7 (pdf ebook). $6.00. B003DYGOGE (Kindle Edition). $6.00.
When Dorothy M. Buse’s mother was moved into the Alzheimer’s unit of a small assisted living home, Dot told her husband Frederic W. Buse, the author of this book, that if she got the disease too, she did not want to be put into a similar facility. Buse promised his wife that he would not do so. (pp. 7-8) In 1997, Dot was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. She died nine years later in June 2006. In this brief, well-written story, Buse (New York Maritime College, Marine Engineering, 1958), a retired engineer from Ingersoll Rand Company and the writer of many book chapters and industrial journal articles, sets forth his personal account of his journey coping with his wife’s Alzheimer’s disease. The author shares his “experiences, ideas,” and any “insight gained” (introduction), hoping that his many tips (over one hundred) “may help other caregivers who choose” to care for “their loved ones at home.” (back- of- the book summary) In five chapters, averaging eleven pages each, Buse describes the onset of his wife’s Alzheimer’s and many other relevant topics including diagnosis, lifestyle adjustments, legal matters, social security, medical bills, Medicare, support organizations, patient behaviors, physical and emotional changes, the progression of the disease, hygiene, food and meals, medications, hospice care, his wife’s death, memorial services, and after-death issues. While this publication is not by standard definitions authoritative, since it is told from a layperson’s or an ordinary person’s viewpoint and it lacks appropriate documentation such as a selected bibliography, endnotes/footnotes, and appendices of additional resources, it’s first- hand account and seemingly practical advice may be helpful in some ways to caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients, who may be looking for an understandable guide that they can read in one sitting or a few hours. The back- of- the book “table of contents” by chapter, which lists the subjects covered in each chapter by heading but lacks pagination, may be used to record the page numbers upon which certain topics are discussed and/or to take notes. Reasonably well- presented and compassionately retold, but by no means authoritative or comprehensive, this book will interest mostly early stage Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers. It is recommended for some public libraries as a supplementary resource only and should not serve as a substitute for other publications and advice written for caregivers that cover the disease and patient care from the most authoritative, comprehensive, and updated viewpoints. Patients and their caregivers always should consult the most appropriate resources and experts for the best, most comprehensive, and up- to- date information and advice when coping with major medical issues and life events. Review book. Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book as a member of the Dorrance Publishing Book Review Team. Visit dorrancebookstore.com to learn how you can become a member of the Book Review Team. Availability: Amazon.com (print), Amazon (Kindle Edition), Rose Dog Bookstore
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