Reaching through the Fog of Alzheimer’s to Restore Communication

Reaching through the Fog of Alzheimer’s to Restore Communication

Practical new guide offers simple, proven strategies for interacting with Alzheimer’s patients

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – According to the latest August 2010 report from the Alzheimer’s Association, over five million Americans are currently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, a chilling statistic made even more sobering when coupled with the prediction that by 2030, over 17 million Americans will become at high risk for developing the disease. Most of our lives will be touched in some way by Alzheimer’s, and communicating with those afflicted can make for a challenging, often frustrating experience. In his groundbreaking new handbook, Walking In Their Shoes: Communicating with loved ones who have Alzheimer’s disease (published by Authorhouse), Michael Krauthamer offers health care providers, friends and family an invaluable, accessible resource for keeping the lines of communication as open as possible with those battling the symptoms of the disease.

“It is important that you see the faces and realities of people, not just the numbers,” Krauthamer asserts, and his book does just that as he offers a collection of true stories compiled over a 10-year period of working with Alzheimer’s patients. He makes the argument that, although the forms change, patients still have the ability to communicate, and knowing how to effectively interact with them helps us to better understand their behaviors and resolve conflict.

Employing a sensible, applicable combination of observation, nonverbal and verbal communication, Walking In Their Shoes comes from a sociological perspective, drawing inspiration from person-centered care and validation therapy techniques. Believing that negative behaviors associated with moderate to severe Alzheimer’s, including confusion, anxiety and anger, can be successfully coped with, Krauthamer provides a wealth of information on how to handle a myriad of situations in the most peaceful way possible while redirecting to a positive atmosphere.

Anecdotes from Krauthamer’s personal experiences are combined with straightforward discussions of communication techniques and behavioral analysis. Thoroughly researched and thoughtfully told, Walking In Their Shoes is a must-read for anyone who interacts with Alzheimer’s patients. Learn new strategies with proven results and get a glimpse into the lives of the more than five million Americans whose voices deserve to be heard in this concise new guide.

About the Author

Michael Krauthamer received his bachelor’s degree in human behavioral science with a minor in social psychology from Indiana University. An accomplished musician, he has seen the positive impact of music first-hand for many years, making use of its effectiveness in eliciting strong emotions while giving calm and comfort. Walking In Their Shoes is Krauthamer’s first book.

Available at Amazon, Authorhouse, Barnes and Noble, or your favorite on-line or local book retaile

http://www.walking-in-their-shoes.com