Official Review: G.A.S. & Dementia by Joanne Berrigan

[Damis Seres Rodriguez]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "G.A.S. & Dementia" by Joanne Berrigan.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Almost three years ago, I graduated from medical school and crashed hard against the real-world pavement. "But Damis, three years are not enough in the medical field to call yourself an expert." Oh, I know that my dears, I know. I'm far from that. But in those years, I've seen hundreds (if not thousands) of caregivers so exhausted that they would wish to switch places with the patient and be taken care of instead.

That's why G.A.S. & Dementia by Joanne Berrigan is so relevant. Healthcare workers spend years of their lives to prepare themselves to take care of people, both physically and emotionally. But mothers and fathers, siblings, daughters, and sons, don't. And let's be honest for a second. Those people, taking care of someone they love, shouldn't have to read incomprehensible books with complicated terms to understand their role as caregivers. And even as professional caregivers, we don't graduate as experts on taking care of people that oftentimes, won't say thank you, or even acknowledge your existence. Or at least, I didn't.

G.A.S. & Dementia is not a textbook, per se. Or at least, it doesn't look like one. It is a very easy-to-read, helpful guide for the caregiver to understand the impact of the health issues they are going to face. The author recognizes her limitations and gives a clear idea of what to expect from the book.

The book consists of chapters, meant to be read individually or as a whole, accordingly with the reader's interests and needs. It has a helpful glossary, intending to explain expressions and concepts that caregivers outside of the medical field probably don't know. It has a brief description of the different types of dementia, and the challenges that both the PWD (Person with Dementia) and the caregivers have to face. Included, but not limited to, how to deal with their grief, aggression, and sexuality.

There are several things worth mentioning about this book. What I liked the most was the empathy the author displayed throughout the book. I was greatly surprised to find several tools to help the reader to understand the struggles of the patient. Analogies, metaphors, and case studies are masterfully applied.

Something else that I consider outstanding is the list of either free or low-cost services available, intended to help the caregiver to provide better attention. Granted, it might only help readers within specific locations, but it is appreciated nonetheless.

The book is professionally edited, and it should be clear by now that objectively, I have no option but to rate it four out of four stars. If anything, the only thing I didn't like about the book, is that I didn't get to read it sooner.

I recommend this book to caregivers, professionals, or not. And to people that are close enough to witness the struggles both the patient and the caregiver overcome. I wouldn't limit the book for caregivers of PWD, though. Granted, it is the main focus of the book. But it contains valuable tips to provide support while maintaining healthy boundaries, regardless of the underlying condition of the patient.

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G.A.S. & Dementia
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[Thea Frederick]

Thanks so much for the review! This book sounds like a great resource and I'm so glad someone took the time to put it together.

[Kirsi Cultrera]

Dementia is such a difficult disease to handle for everyone included. I wish this disease could be cured, but since it is impossible (as far as I know), the best thing we can do is to try to understand... This book sounds like a very necessary one, and definitely goes to my reading list. Thank you for a review!

[Rubbi]

This must be a valuable book for every caregiver and I liked the sound of having a glossary to ease understanding. Thanks for the brilliant review.

[Elvis Best]

Although I do not think this book is for me, I must admit that I'm tempted to read it because of your thorough review. But who knows, I may need it in the future. Great review!

[FEislandqueen13]

Wow! This book seems very insightful and a breeze to understand. Awesome review.

[Damis Seres Rodriguez]

Dementia is such a difficult disease to handle for everyone included. I wish this disease could be cured, but since it is impossible (as far as I know), the best thing we can do is to try to understand... This book sounds like a very necessary one, and definitely goes to my reading list. Thank you for a review!

I think it is a problem that deserves way more attention than what it gets. Mostly because it is one that could potentially break a lot of familiar dynamics. Thanks for your comment!

[Mutai Marshal]

This is such an important tool considering the challenges caregivers face. They deserve appreciation and love. Thanks for the awesome review!

[Koltrast]

Wow! What an important topic to write about. I've heard that something that all too often is neglected when caring for PWD is their emotional needs, whether you come as a medical caregiver or as next-of-kin. I'll put this book on my want-to-read list, I trust your recommendation. As always, wonderful and engaging review!

[Gabrielle Sigaki]

The care caregivers need is something people often don't think about. This book seems to help us understand that caregivers are people too, who need attention. It's really important to abord that kind of topic. Thanks for the great review!

[Ellylion]

Sounds like a great and very useful read for medical workers and not only. Thank you very much for this insightful review!

[Christabel Uzoamaka]

This book is really relevant to health workers/care givers and anyone who wishes to be one.
Your review was understandable and informative, thanks.

[Melisa Jane]

A book relevant to health workers, and the challenges they face while tending to the patients. Nice review.

[Sanju Lali]

Thanks for your quite elaborate and insightful review on the book "G.A.S. & Dementia" by Joanne Berrigan, which is a helpful guide for the caregiver to be familiar with the impact of the health issues they are going to face.

[Tonika632]

I have experience with dementia in my family. It is a tough disease. Great review!