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Books about young onset dementia

Imprisoned by love by C S Brahams 

Imprisoned by Love is a compelling novel about deputy head teacher, Sophie Boswell. All set to tackle the new academic year at her independent school in London, her husband Michael’s increasingly erratic behaviour begins to take its toll on her and leads to him receiving a frontotemporal dementia diagnosis aged 49. The novel by debut author C S Brahams, is said to provide an insight into, the uncomfortable realities of balancing love and duty.

British seaside and Around the world imany ways

These two books provide a collection of beautiful images and memory prompts, which are specially designed to aid reminiscence in younger people with dementia. They contain poems, references to songs, locations, television programmes and much more. Compiled by people working with and for younger people with dementia, they have been produced as there were no age specific books of this genre for younger people with dementia on the market.

The memory book by Rowan Coleman  

The name of your first-born. The face of your lover. Your age. Your address…  What would happen if your memory of these began to fade? Is it possible to rebuild your life? Raise a family? Fall in love again? When Claire starts to write her memory book, she already knows that this scrapbook of mementoes will soon be all her daughters and husband have of her. But how can she hold on to the past when her future is slipping through her fingers…?

Coping with early onset dementia by Jill Eckersley 

Younger people have particular difficulties, such as work, dependent children, and financial commitments.  They may be physically fit and have to deal with lack of understanding and social stigma caused by ‘odd’ behaviour. They may find it hard to cope with losing their faculties at such a young age. They may not know where to turn for help – or even if specialised help is available. This book will provide some of the answers.

Inside the O’Briens by Lisa Genova 

Joe O’Brien is a Boston cop; his physical stamina and methodical mind have seen him through decades policing the city streets, while raising a family with his wife Rosie.  When he starts making uncharacteristic errors, he attributes them to stress.  Finally, he agrees to see a doctor and is handed a terrifying, unexpected diagnosis: Huntington’s disease.

Still Alice by Lisa Genova 

When Alice finds herself in the rapidly downward spiral of Alzheimer’s disease she is just 50 years old. A university professor, wife, and mother of three, she still has so much more to do – books to write, places to see, grandchildren to meet.  But when she can’t remember how to make her famous Christmas pudding, when she gets lost in her own back yard, when she fails to recognise her actress daughter after a superb performance, she comes up with a desperate plan.  A fictional story, with excellent reviews.

Young onset dementia by Hilda Hayo, Alison Ward and Jacqueline Parkes 

The book provides key information and insight into the experiences of people living with a diagnosis of young onset dementia.  The book aims to increase the knowledge and skills of health and social care professionals in the early recognition, diagnosis and support of young people with dementia and their families. 

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