Living with Alzheimer’s

“A love story”

Robin Thomson

ISBN: 9781912726196

192 Pages

Published Jan 2020

Biography

Paperback £8.99 Kindle £5.99
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When Robin Thomson and his wife Shoko were told she had Alzheimer’s, they had no idea what lay ahead.

As the disease gradually took over their lives, Robin watched as his adventurous and independent wife slowly seemed to disappear. He and their adult children faced painful and real struggles, and experienced both frustration and great support from the health and social care systems. Yet Shoko’s love remained constant and Robin found himself invited into a deeply spiritual journey with his wife.

This honest and hope-filled account, with its practical insights, suggestions for ways forward and advice on further resources, is a must-read for caregivers and for the friends and families of those affected by this mysterious disease.

It shows how we can respond, not with fear and incomprehension but rather with heightened love and creative friendship.

  • Well researched and beautifully written … of significant value to the many who find themselves embarking, or continuing, on the journey that dementia demands.

    Phil Parker, Lead Nurse, National Prion Clinic, UCLH NHS Foundation Trust
  • A book that will make you both laugh and cry … a love story about how the real identity of the self retains its dignity and meaning.

    Robin and Ursula Weekes, Emmanuel Church, Wimbledon
  • A moving account of loneliness and loss, tempered by faith and love … raises a number of pertinent questions about future care that need urgent answers.

    Dr Tim Billington, former GP in Southampton
  • Written with such compassion, understanding, emotional intelligence and practical advice.

    Kim Smith, Dementia & End of Life Care Clinical lead, (Merton) Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust
  • Really thoughtful and honest account of how it is to live with dementia. What comes through strongly is the need for appropriate support at the right time.

    Margaret Dangoor, trustee of the Centre for Ageing Better, Carers UK and Crossroads (Richmond and Kingston upon Thames), involved in research (through London School of Economics and Political Science) and active in the dementia and carer community
  • I faced many of the challenges described here in my own life and can identify with so much in this honest, vivid and very personal account.

    Margaret Gould, former caregiver and advocate for those living with dementia
  • A love story … the effects of Alzheimer’s could not extinguish the expression of Shoko’s love for him.

    Dr Iain Aitken, professor of international public health
  • For anyone affected by dementia to read and gain insight from.

    Kim Barnes, community dementia nurse, Central London Community Healthcare NHS trust
  • The book is a treasure, a love story, full of wisdom.

    Howard Peskett, author and theologian

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