Helpful Score: 1
This is such an unusual book that it is hard to rate. At 58, professional herb grower and writer DeBaggio was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. He decided to write about the experience. The subject being what it is, I cannot say the book is "enjoyable," but I
bought it because my dearest relative has been stricken with Alzheimer's, and it has been a special help to me for that reason.
From the cover: "Whether describing the happy days of his youth or lamenting over the burden his disease has placed on his loved ones, DeBaggio manages to inspire the reader with his ability to function, to think, and ultimately to survive. By turns an autobiography, a medical history, and a book of meditations, Losing My Mind is a testament to the splendor of memory and a triumphant celebration of the human spirit." Trite words, those last ones, but true.
bought it because my dearest relative has been stricken with Alzheimer's, and it has been a special help to me for that reason.
From the cover: "Whether describing the happy days of his youth or lamenting over the burden his disease has placed on his loved ones, DeBaggio manages to inspire the reader with his ability to function, to think, and ultimately to survive. By turns an autobiography, a medical history, and a book of meditations, Losing My Mind is a testament to the splendor of memory and a triumphant celebration of the human spirit." Trite words, those last ones, but true.
Beth G. reviewed Losing my Mind : An Intimate Look at Life with Alzheimer's on + 72 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I really liked this book. Very interesting to hear his perspective--would have been nice to have his wife's perspective on same experiences/time frames. I look forward to reading his second book.
Nancy G. reviewed Losing my Mind : An Intimate Look at Life with Alzheimer's on + 3 more book reviews
Was supposedly written by Thomas who has the beginning stages of Alsheimers but obviously most of it was filled in by his wife or others. His own observations are very repetitive and limited.
Cnnsider the background of the reviewer:ME,a nurse who practiced 25 yrs, some of it hospice nursing. Impressions" NOT SAPPY,excellent personal recording of author's progression of his disease inside of author. Hospice motto: TO LIVE UNTIL WE SAY GOODBYE.
Dianne (gardngal) reviewed Losing my Mind : An Intimate Look at Life with Alzheimer's on + 271 more book reviews
This book is not very well written. It skips about from his personal childhood to his current situation, his diagnosis and his reaction to it. Then there are all the quotes from medical studies interspersed in it. In his own words, he is "fixated" on his illness, and constantly mentions death. One gets the impression he is feeling very sorry for himself, rather than enlightening the reader. Very depressing. For a better story told from the "inside", read "Still Alice" by Lisa Genova. D.