Five Books on Dementia and Aging

THE END OF MEMORY:
A Natural History of Aging and Alzheimer’s

by Jay Ingram

In The End of Memory, science writer, broadcaster and journalist Jay Ingram charts the history of Alzheimer’s disease and investigates its future. The co-founder of Calgary’s Beakerhead Festival was inspired by his own experience. Ingram’s mother passed away in 2006 after struggling with dementia. Ingram’s book is a fast-paced, well-written and engaging take on a challenging subject.

UNBECOMING

by Jenny Downham

Jenny Downham’s young adult novel Unbecoming also has huge appeal for adults. It tells the tale of one family, including teenage Katie, mom Caroline and grandma Mary who is living with dementia. [  ]

BEING MORTAL

by Atul Gawande

Writer and surgeon Atul Gawande’s Being Mortal takes an honest look at end-of-life care and explores how families and caregivers can do better. Gawande’s book is about living well until the very end.

THE LOTTERYS PLUS ONE

by Emma Donaghue

Emma Donaghue’s young adult novel The Lotterys Plus One is a hopeful story with quirky characters — including a grandpa living with dementia.

STILL ALICE

by Lisa Genova

Writer and neuroscientist Lisa Genova’s bestselling 2007 novel tells the story of Alice Howland and her diagnosis with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. It’s a compassionate and realistic take.