February 15, 2021
Grades 7-12 With the U.S. population growing older and people living longer, Rawitt contends that teens are increasingly likely to know and need to assist someone with dementia. Part of the Empowering You series, this comprehensive manual offers support in understanding this neurocognitive disorder. The book begins with an introduction to what dementia is (identifying Alzheimer's as a kind of dementia and not an interchangeable term) and a thorough look at the stages of dementia and the challenges associated with each one. As the author discusses ways to care for individuals with dementia, ways dementia can affect family and friends, and activities to share with someone who has dementia, she maintains a teen focus by addressing such concerns as family embarrassment, guilt, and financial burdens and by providing tips, such as talking slower and in a lower pitch to ease communication. The last chapters focus on facing death (including hospice care and what happens after death) and the importance of self-care. An extensive list of supporting resources rounds out this helpful guide.

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Jean Rawitt is a wise and kind guide to this difficult subject and this book will benefit both teenagers and their loved ones who are increasingly likely to develop dementia. In fact, I have already recommended this book to young people who are dealing with elderly relatives with dementia.

In A Loved One with Dementia: Insights and Tips for Teenager, Jean Rawitt presents an intimate, caring, and candid conversation demystifying dementia. By understanding dementia and its phases, teens will learn how to channel their youthful energy into "being there" – even during painful or embarrassing situations — with a grandparent or other family member who suffers from progressive loss of cognitive functioning. With utmost sensitivity and compassion, Rawitt offers an array of resources that will help YOU as you help your loved one cope with dementia.

While Loving Someone with Dementia is targeted to teens, it is a tremendously valuable book for anyone who knows someone with cognitive decline. A clear and consolidated guide to understanding dementia on a practical level, it provides a wealth of specific things to do and think about during every stage of a complicated disease. This book should be in the hands of every family member and health aide who helps with the care of someone with dementia.

Jean Rawitt has done a masterful job of describing the dementia experience and its impact on the individual, families, and society. This book provides up-to-date information on the prevalence and impact of dementia and provides practical suggestions on how teenagers can engage and communicate effectively with individuals suffering with dementia throughout the illness experience from mild to advanced stages of the disease. It provides sound advice about the importance of self-care activities that are important to employ given the toll that dementia can exact on loved ones. This book is must reading for teenagers who have family members that live with dementia as well as those interested in learning more about the dementia experience.