Losing my Mind

An Intimate Look at Life with Alzheimer's

By: Thomas DeBaggio

Narrated by: Cotter Smith

When Tom DeBaggio turned fifty-seven in 1999, he thought he was embarking on the golden years of retirement -- time to spend with his family, his friends, and the herb garden he spent decades cultivating.
One winter day, he told his doctor during a routine exam that he had been stumbling into forgetfulness. After it subsequent battery of tests, DeBaggio joined the legion of twelve million others afflicted with Alzheimer's disease.
Losing My Mind is an extraordinary first-person account that charts the ups and downs of early onset Alzheimer's -- a form of the disease which can he particularly ravaging to younger, more alert minds. DeBaggio started writing on the first day of his diagnosis and has continued despite his slipping grasp on his memory.
DeBaggio paints a vivid picture of the splendor of memory and the pain that comes from its loss. DeBaggio poignantly depicts one of the most important parts of our lives -- remembrance -- and how we tend to overlook it. But to DeBaggio, memory is more than just an account of a time long past, it is one's ability to function, to think and ultimately, to survive. As his life is reduced to moments of clarity, the true power of thought and his ability to connect to the world shines through.
A testament to the beauty of memory, Losing My Mind is more than just an account of Alzheimer's, it is the captivating story of one man's battle to stay connected with the world.

An intimate look

It took great courage to share such private and painful details of what was happening to the author. He will never know how much his words were appreciated, by both the families and the patient's who are dealing with this disease.

Heart-breaking, incredibly brave account

I happen to have a sister who is leaving me daily through Alzheimer’s. This book has given me a deeper appreciation of the loneliness and terror she is experiencing. Now when I call, I insist she write down the call in her daily record, otherwise she will forget within a minute, and added to all the other horrors of this condition is the sadness that her sister “never calls.” I recommend the book for anyone who has an association with this disease, which, in the end, will be most of us.

worthwhile

I listened to this for a college course. I thought this first person account of what it's like to go through life with Alzheimer's was very educational. The author painted a very vivid picture with his words and experiences. I think this is a must read for anyone who may come in contact with someone who has this disease.

confusing

What would have made Losing my Mind better?

this audiobook jumped around too much and you were never sure what exactly you were listening to

Has Losing my Mind turned you off from other books in this genre?

yes