The Reality of Alzheimer's
A Review of "Before I Lose My Own Mind" by Beverly E. Thorn, PhD (ARC)
Star rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
Spoiler-free review.
I receieved an advanced reader copy (ARC) from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
After Walt was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, he knew his quality of life ahead would steadily decline. He wanted to die with dignity. He wanted to still feel like himself in the end. Before I Lose My Own Mind is the true story of a couple navigating the legal and moral battles of a death with dignity, as well as a reminder for all caregivers: take care of yourself, too.
Beverly E Thorn, Walt’s wife and eventual caregiver, wrote Before I Lose My Own Mind as part memoir / part guide. The book features bulleted facts at the end of each chapter, resources and information for caregivers, and stories of Walt before, during, and after his mental decline. Beverly’s love for her late husband is written all over the pages—we see how charismatic, intelligent, and articulate he was in every scene. But like many caregivers, Beverly struggled internally. She took on the role of full-time caregiver, nurse, and counselor (all without pay) and watched Walt’s friends and family slowly drift away, leaving her to figure everything out herself. She struggled to take care of herself atop caring for Walt, and that struggle prompted her to write this book.
The story is raw, tragic, and emotional. It covers hard truths about disease, mortality, and the physical, emotional, and psychological tolls of full-time caregiving. As someone without much knowledge of Alzheimer’s or dementia, the book did an excellent job of informing readers like me while also making space for experts or people with loved ones that suffer from dementia. But the book isn’t all bleak—Thorn blends humor and sarcasm to keep readers hopeful and engaged.
I especially recommend this book to anyone with an interest in healthcare, science, or caregiving. Five stars.
