Choosing Joy
Alzheimer’s: A Book of Hope
by Helene Berger
Reiberg Press
Who would think to put the words joy and Alzheimer’s together? Helene Berger cared for her husband of 50 years after he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and told the doctor, “I don’t want to live anymore.” Together Helene and Ady faced this terrible disease for six years and he was able to actually improve in some ways rather than only declining.
Choosing Joy gives the story of their life together before and after the diagnosis and Helene shares what they did to address the various issues that came up. She writes about the practical aspects of caregiving such as handling medications and personal care, but spends a great deal of the book talking about attitudes, behaviors, and how to approach something as devastating as Alzheimer’s with a positive outlook.
Many of the people who knew both Helene and Ady shared with her how impressed they were with how well the two of them handled this situation and how they saw Ady actually improve over time. Helene decided to share their journey to offer support and insight for others who have to walk this difficult road. Her ideas can applied to any form of illness people might be facing, not just dementia.
“Choosing Joy suggests a path that might make the journey through any diagnosis more tolerable for both patient and caregiver,” Helene writes. “I hope to inspire and empower caregivers with the knowledge that they are not helpless. They can make a difference, and they can live with joy.”
