When Reasoning No Longer Works

By: Angel Smits

Narrated by: Derek Botten

Publisher's summary

Nearly five million families deal with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia on a daily basis. They do this with little training, and often, only their good intentions guide them. When Reasoning No Longer Works is the training manual these family caregivers have been searching for. Authored by a gerontologist with more than 20 years of experience, this audiobook gives the listener an easy-to-understand view of what dementia does to the brain, how it is diagnosed, and most importantly, how to deal with its effects.

The book clearly explains:

• How to avoid a catastrophic reaction
• What are some specific approaches for aggressive behavior
• How to deal with disruptive behaviors
• What are ways to diminish wandering
• What to do when a wanderer is missing
• When to look for outside help

You'll also follow the story of Lou and Rose, a couple who share their lives with Alzheimer's disease. Together, they find the answers to questions caregivers and victims are sometimes afraid to ask.

©2017 Angel Smits (P)2019 Angel Smits

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5 out of 5 stars

By Timothy on 01-06-23

MUST READ for anyone with an aging loved one.

My mother has lived alone since her husband passed away almost 13 years ago. She has done well until recently. I live 2 hours away and we often visited. Recently, the visiting had become more crucial and more frequent. It’s gotten to that point that my once-per-week trips can’t keep up with what needs to be done…for the house and for her.

My need for a resource like this has been growing. Unexplained bruises, missed bill payments (with an 820 credit score), two packages of checks from the same bank delivered days apart…you get the idea, and this book hits on all of those. The need for this book as a resource came to a head recently when my daughter, 19 and in college, called and told me Granny was lost. I immediately called my mother and spent an hour on the phone navigating her home. This was aided by being able to track her through the location services on her phone. Still, an hour!! No exaggeration. I stayed on the phone with her until she pulled into her garage. That was a good thing since she was confused about turning right or left less than a mile from her neighborhood.

This book helped me realize what’s happening with my mother and how I can help. It shed insights into what she’s thinking and doing and why. I have to reprogram my approach to her and for her.

The narrator, mature and compassionate, tells the story in a kind and empathetic tone. The layout is excellent…phases of: a fictitious couple with one experiencing symptoms followed by what is happening internally to the victims
and then recommendations to help.

If you have someone aging, even if they are not showing symptoms, READ THIS BOOK!!

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5 out of 5 stars

By Boni g. on 01-28-23

Informative

I enjoyed the story following the life of Rose and her husband Louis as her primary caregiver. I can identify with many of his reactions. Excellent resource. You

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3 out of 5 stars

By Paul Hebert on 12-22-20

Nice but not very helpful

Unfortunately, this book was a waste of time since I can no longer reason with my wife which has worsened in the past several weeks. I thought I would get a great deal more help but it was just a review of what I’ve experience for the past 3-4 months. It doesn’t offer much to do for me.

Very disappointed.

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3 out of 5 stars

By Vince Winslow on 10-09-21

Some good information

This book may be a good place to start in trying to figure out how to help a loved one with dementia. The main take away for me was learning the difference between talking to a dementia patient with reality orientation and validation therapy.

Most of the book was a series of lists of does and don’ts. It is a start but a caregiver needs more detail and more explanation.

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