Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD) is now recognized as one of the most common forms of dementia in individuals under age 65, second only to Alzheimer's. Shedding light on a little known brain disease, this volume examines FTD from a few angles, beginning with the author's insightful memoir of her husband's struggle with FTD and its impact on their family. Detailed background information on the disease is provided along with discussion of related issues, and information on how to minimize the chances of becoming a victim.

From the award-winning journalist and author, a lyrical, raw and humane investigation of dementia that explores both the journeys of the people who live with the condition and those of their loved ones After a diagnosis of dementia, Nicci Gerrard’s father, John, continued to live life on his own terms, alongside the disease. But when an isolating hospital stay precipitated a dramatic turn for the worse, Gerrard, an award-winning journalist and author, recognized that it was not just the disease, but misguided protocol and harmful practices that cause such pain at the end of life. Gerrard was inspired to seek a better course for all who suffer because of the disease. The Last Ocean is Gerrard’s investigation into what dementia does to both the person who lives with the condition and to their caregivers. Dementia is now one of the leading causes of death in the West, and this necessary book will offer both comfort and a map to those walking through it. While she begins with her father’s long slip into forgetting, Gerrard expands to examine dementia writ large. Gerrard gives raw but literary shape both to the unimaginable loss of one’s own faculties, as well as to the pain of their loved ones. Her lens is unflinching, but Gerrard honors her subjects and finds the beauty and the humanity in their seemingly diminished states. In so doing, she examines the philosophy of what it means to have a self, as well as how we can offer dignity and peace to those who suffer with this terrible disease. Not only will it aid those walking with dementia patients, The Last Ocean will prompt all of us to think on the nature of a life well lived.

This memoir shares the early, troubled years of the author's wife and transitions to their first meeting, relationship, and marriage. A woman with low self-esteem found courage, comfort, and support and dared to dream again. Friends and family often referred to their marriage as a romance meant to be. Frontotemporal Dementia, FTD, interrupted that love story. The author devotedly cared for his wife until her passing. He weaves in journals, letters, and posts and lays bare their life through her incurable disease. Throughout much of the book, the author offers dementia mileposts, tips, and observations to assist those struggling in their own journeys. While dementia will differ person to person, many will find similarities to their own experiences. The book serves two purposes as both an aid to those in a dementia care partner role but also as a love story.

Research-based advice for people who care for someone with dementia Nearly half of U.S. citizens over the age of 85 are suffering from some kind of dementia and require care. Loving Someone Who Has Dementia is a new kind of caregiving book. It's not about the usual techniques, but about how to manage on-going stress and grief. The book is for caregivers, family members, friends, neighbors as well as educators and professionals—anyone touched by the epidemic of dementia. Dr. Boss helps caregivers find hope in "ambiguous loss"—having a loved one both here and not here, physically present but psychologically absent. Outlines seven guidelines to stay resilient while caring for someone who has dementia Discusses the meaning of relationships with individuals who are cognitively impaired and no longer as they used to be Offers approaches to understand and cope with the emotional strain of care-giving Boss's book builds on research and clinical experience, yet the material is presented as a conversation. She shows you a way to embrace rather than resist the ambiguity in your relationship with someone who has dementia.

The result is a guide that integrates the practicalities of caregiving with the human emotions that accompany it.

The Dance is a lively memoir of a couple's five-year journey through a little-known, non-Alzheimer's dementia -Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD). Deborah and Alan's story is told with honesty, humor and love. The Dance illustrates of how the 'normality' of Deborah and Alan's life was stolen away by FTD. They danced together for almost thirty-eight years until Alan's death in 2012. How they handled this challenge together and with the help of their family and friends shines some light on this uncommonly diagnosed disease. FTD strikes men and women from the age of 35 onwards. It is most commonly diagnosed from age 50 onwards but has been seen in people as young as 20 and as old as 80. It is often accompanied by physical conditions such as Motor Neuron Disease or ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). The average time between diagnosis and death is between four and ten years. Added to the pain of dealing with an untreatable, incurable illness is the loss of person, insight, and empathy for others. The grieving begins long before physical death. Further information on FTD can be found at www.theaftd.org

With huge heart, humor, and a compassionate understanding of human nature, Sally Hepworth delivers a page-turning novel about the power of love to grow and endure even when faced with the most devastating of obstacles. You won’t forget The Things We Keep. Anna Forster is only thirty-eight years old, but her mind is slowly slipping away from her. Armed only with her keen wit and sharp-eyed determination, she knows that her family is doing what they believe to be best when they take her to Rosalind House, an assisted living facility. But Anna has a secret: she does not plan on staying. She also knows there's just one another resident who is her age, Luke. What she does not expect is the love that blossoms between her and Luke even as she resists her new life. As her disease steals more and more of her memory, Anna fights to hold on to what she knows, including her relationship with Luke. Eve Bennett, suddenly thrust into the role of single mother to her bright and vivacious seven-year-old daughter, finds herself putting her culinary training to use at Rosalind house. When she meets Anna and Luke, she is moved by the bond the pair has forged. But when a tragic incident leads Anna's and Luke's families to separate them, Eve finds herself questioning what she is willing to risk to help them. Eve has her own secrets, and her own desperate circumstances that raise the stakes even higher.