A Son's Handbook

Book excerpt: A Son's Handbook is the ten-year journey of a son as he cared for his mother with Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Compelled by the love for his mother, author Stephen W. Hoag provides a tender, dramatic and often humorous account of the unforgettable years he shared with his mother as they faced the difficulties associated with her disease. His chronicled anecdotes and articulated moments will bring comfort to family members and care givers who must complete the daily tasks and overcome the obstacles accompanying the care of those afflicted with this illness. There are approximately five million Americans who suffer from Alzheimer's and dementia and the vast majority of these people rely on family members - particularly sons and daughters - for their care. There is no vaccine or procedure that will cure this disease that first takes the mind and then takes the body. Our only weapon against its ravages is love. To be sure, one of the greatest manifestations and demonstrations of love that a person may experience in life is the caring for a parent with this infirmity. Each experience described in this personal account led Stephen Hoag to write a "Son's Rule" at the end of each chapter, a fitting approach to being forever positive and insightful in moments of great challenge.