By John Zeisel, Ph.D.
Avery Trade Press
There currently is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease — although research continues to indicate that it can be treated. For more than 15 years, John Zeisel, Ph.D., has spear headed a movement to treat Alzheimer’s non-pharmacologically by focusing on the mind’s strengths. I’m Still Here is a guidebook to Dr. Zeisel’s treatment ideas, showing the possibility and benefits of connecting with an Alzheimer’s patient through their abilities that don’t diminish with time, such as understanding music, art, facial expressions, and touch. By harnessing these capacities, and by using other strategies, it’s possible to offer the person a quality life with connection to others and to the world. As to whether this will alter the course of the disease has not as yet been proven. In fact, standard therapy is recommended by the author. However, the book can be helpful for caregivers feeling a sense of loss and frustration. Today, Dr. Zeisel and his work airs on public television stations entitled “Hopeful Aging.”
