For anyone dealing with dementia - be it a health care or social worker, acaregiver, or an individual newly diagnosed - the issues of grief, anger and intimacy orsex cannot be dismissed. These topics are at the core of being human and are affectedwhen one receives a diagnosis of dementia - yet most educators, education sessionsand casual discussion groups avoid them as too private to address. As these issuessignificantly affect relationships of all types, especially when dealing with dementia, they need to be explored, shared and discussed.In doing so they are given light andgiven answers. It's not rocket science, but it is very personal - which is why the firstencounter with these topics through this book is a perfect way to habituate yourself andponder your own reactions and to consider what suggestions and response you cangive when the issues do arise.Why now? or Why me? you ask: Quite simply; dementia is more integrated into our dailylives than ever & will continue to be. Given that a significant portion of our population isaging and that long term care or nursing homes were never designed for persons withdementia, there is an increasing demand for home or other specialized care. The resultis that one of the biggest needs for training will be in health care for the aged and forthose with dementia. If you are comfortable that you know the core issues and how theyaffect behaviour and quality of life; you will be the candidate or the caregiver thatprovides greater value, reassurance, insight and answers. For when one is desperatelytrying to continue to live in the face of daily change and dying - knowing there issomeone who understands provides great strength to get to the next day. It also givesvalue, validation, joy and a tenuous reconnection to the world. Ultimately, it is for thisreason that this book was written - to open the conversation to topics that have beenavoided and provide meaning, strength and value to those living with dementia.
