Choosing Joy - Alzheimer's: A Book of Hope

CHOOSING JOY is a book of hope. Most accounts of Alzheimer's describe a process of irreversible degeneration and decline. This is a rare success story, the story of a woman who refused to surrender to the implications of her husband's diagnosis, instead inspiring him to join her in making every moment they had together meaningful and precious.

A few months after their fiftieth anniversary, Ady Berger was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. He responded, I don't want to live anymore. His wife, Helene, was determined to find creative ways to make their lives as fulfilling as possible, for as long as possible. By developing a solid foundation of constant mental stimulation and emotional support, they built the scaffolding that gave Ady the best chance for positive outcomes physically, emotionally, and socially. In Ady's final years he again became known for his radiant smile, greeting friends by name, returning to the piano, playing chess, even drawing pictures and writing nightly notes. Helene Berger's comprehensive guide chronicles the different elements that made this regeneration possible. Welcoming, positive, and honest, she shares her own difficult journey: her doubts and fears, failures and ultimate successes.

CHOOSING JOY includes:

The importance of acceptance by both patient and caregiver. Ideas to keep patients mentally stimulated and productive.

The changes in perspective and attitude that can replace frustration and anger with kindness, appreciation, and support.

Methodology for negotiating joint solutions to the progressive challenges of debilitating disease.

Detailed strategies for hiring and bringing out the best in aides, creating schedules to avoid confusion, and creating a safe and healthy home environment.

Optimal ways to work with healthcare providers and safely manage long lists of medications.

How to find the delicate balance between giving the best of yourself while ensuring your own needs are fulfilled.

The life-affirming insights Helene gleaned during and after the Alzheimer's years.

Caregivers of patients with any type of debilitating disease will find a wealth of information, ideas, and inspiration in CHOOSING JOY. 

About the Author: Helene Berger has served on many non-profit boards and held major positions of leadership throughout her life, in her home community of Miami and nationally. In each of these roles, she has spoken throughout the country inspiring her audience (especially women) to accept leadership positions and live a meaningful life. She is recognized as a powerful and inspirational speaker.

Choosing Joy: Alzheimer’s: A Book of Hope is her first book. It was inspired by the unanticipated, positive results that her husband Ady achieved after his diagnosis of Alzheimer’s. It is a comprehensive guide, combining the concrete methodologies learned over the following six years, as well as inspirational examples and philosophy. Although written about her experience with Alzheimer’s, her guidance applies to a loved one with any type of debilitating disease - as well as to all the meaningful relationships in our lives. It is a rare book of hope, providing practical and emotional support to both the caregiver and the patient. And all the while, it is a love story, and an honest retelling of a lifetime journey.

Helene is a proud grandmother of four and mother of two. Her son was Chief of Cardiology at Pennsylvania Hospital for eighteen years and her daughter is a Professor of Mathematics at MIT who is widely published, and the recipient of many prestigious awards. Both continue to offer their mother unconditional support.

228 pages.