Author: April McDonald Emery
Secrets, Lies,
and
Shame:
A Caregiver's Guide to the Dark Side of Alzheimer's and Dementia

A Caretaker's Guide to the Dark Side of Alzheimer's and Dementia
"Thank you for addressing the sexual side of this disease. It's so hard to talk to anyone about something so private to us."
"I could have written several of the caretaker's stories. I've never felt so relieved to find out that someone else is just as miserable and as clueless as I am! I am definitely going to put some of these tips to work immediately. Thank you!"
as a Pre-Order
When the Mask Comes Off: A Caregiver’s Guide to the Dark Side of Alzheimer’s and Dementia, is a thoughtful but pointed look at some of the hardest aspects of cognitive disease. 130 caregiver stories are showcased with each situation given guidance on how to resolve the issue or prevent it altogether.
Inappropriate sexual behavior can mean strained relationships. Not understanding how to diffuse the constant and sometimes aggressive behavior can leave many caregivers feeling that placement is their only option.
Cognitive disease strips our loved ones of their inhibitions, creating an environment that can be extremely stressful for caregivers, family, and friends. Personality changes and behavioral outbursts can become common and severe. Caregivers can be faced with increased social isolation with their loved one simply because they aren’t sure that they can manage them in public if they were to have an event. This guide and the caretaker’s stories within give the reader renewed confidence on how to handle those frustrating and sensitive situations so they can rejoin senior groups or family and social functions.
Many people with cognitive decline experience intense bouts of frustration, anger, depression, anxiety and loneliness. As their caretaker, we often reflect those emotions ourselves, as we can be caught up in how our loved ones feel. This guide will help you take control of your own feelings by giving you specific steps to take to minimize your own stress and show you ways that you can redirect even the most dire situations.
A Caregiver's Guide to the Dark Side of Alzheimer's and Dementia
"I didn't know how to ask for help without losing our privacy. I had given up and was about to place him but now I am willing to give this another try. Thank you so much for these tips! I can't wait to use them."
"I never imagined in my wildest dreams that my mother would do some of the things that she's done. I know it's the disease but knowing that in my mind doesn't keep my heart from breaking. Hearing other caretaker stories really gives me some perspective that I'm not alone in this."
"Thank you so much. I can't tell you how much the two books in this series has helped our family!"
"I found this book to be so helpful. I especially liked the example letters to send to family regarding hard subjects."