Chicken Soup for the Soul and the Alzheimer’s Association® share comfort, advice
DENVER – A collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Association®, Chicken Soup for the Soul: Living with Alzheimer’s & Other Dementias combines the most up-to-date information on best practices and coping strategies for living with Alzheimer’s with the comfort and sense of community from a Chicken Soup for the Soul book.
At least 44 million people worldwide are living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia, and many report it is a lonely journey. However, caregivers as well as those living with the disease share their personal stories in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Living with Alzheimer’s & Other Dementias, offering support, encouragement and advice. Tips from the Alzheimer’s Association are also sprinkled throughout the book, offering even more resources and help for those caring for a loved one.
For those caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, this book is a portable support group. The 101 stories in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Living with Alzheimer’s & Other Dementias (Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing, LLC, April 22, 2014, 978-1611599343, $14.95) cover the entire journey—from diagnosis through end of life. Caregivers share coping strategies and tips and offer readers a sense of community as they read these stories about others experiencing the same feelings—the same ups and downs, the sadness, the guilt, and even those wonderful moments of humor and clarity. This book also offers a rare inside look into what it’s like to have Alzheimer’s, with an entire chapter of stories written by people who have the disease.
Each segment of the book offers a different perspective. One section called “For Better or Worse” features local contributor Sara Spaulding who is former caregiver for her husband, Bill Perrin. In Snowflakes and Sunshine, she recounts the story of a crisp fall day driving from Golden over Boreas Pass to Breckenridge. The story offers a reminder that every moment is a treasure when living with Alzheimer’s, even as the snowflakes fall.
In this latest edition, readers learn how to enter a loved one’s reality, find new ways to make connections, and take the necessary steps as the disease progresses, including hiring aides and ultimately, moving a loved one to a memory care facility. Caregivers also learn how to take care of themselves—how to benefit from support groups, stay healthy, and find the humor and blessings in everyday life. A key theme in the book is acceptance—coping with the new normal and making it as good as it can be.
According to the 2014 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report, Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S. All royalties from the book will go to the Alzheimer’s Association, the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. For more information on Alzheimer’s disease, visit the Alzheimer’s Association of Colorado at alz.org/co or call 800.272.3900.
About Chicken Soup For The Soul
Chicken Soup for the Soul publishes the famous Chicken Soup for the Soul book series. In 2007, USA Today named Chicken Soup for the Soul one of the five most memorable books in the last quarter century. With over 100 million books sold to date in the U.S. and Canada alone, more than 250 titles, and translations into more than 40 languages, “chicken soup for the soul” is one of the world’s best-known phrases. Today, 20 years after it first began sharing happiness, inspiration and wellness through its books, Chicken Soup for the Soul continues to delight its readers with new titles, but has also evolved beyond the bookstore. Its high quality products include wholesome and balanced pet food that recognizes the unique relationship between pets and people and a new line of delicious nutritious comfort food inspired by the connection between food and feelings. Chicken Soup for the Soul is “always there for you™.” For more information visit www.chickensoup.com.
About the Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association Colorado Chapter is the premier source of information and support for the more than 60,000 Coloradoans with Alzheimer’s disease, their families and caregivers. Through its statewide network of offices, the Alzheimer’s Association offers education, counseling, support groups, Medic Alert® + Alzheimer’s Association Safe Return® and a 24-hour Helpline, at no cost to families, and funds advancements in research to prevent, treat and eventually conquer this disease. The Alzheimer’s Association advocates for those living with Alzheimer’s and their families on related legislative issues, and with health and long-term care providers. For information call the Alzheimer’s Association at 800-272-3900, or visit alz.org/co
Editors note: Sara Spaulding will host a book signing June 7 from 1-3 pm at the Lakewood Barnes and Noble in Denver West Shopping Center. For an interview or additional information please contact her at 303-564-9268.
