The 10 Best Books About Dementia for Families and Carers
Dementia can be a difficult and emotional journey, not just for the person diagnosed but for their family, friends, and carers, too. Watching a loved one’s memory fade or seeing them struggle with day-to-day tasks can be heartbreaking, and many families find themselves feeling unsure of what to expect or how best to help.
Books can be a great source of comfort and guidance, offering real-life experiences, practical advice, and reassurance that you’re not alone. Whether you’re looking for insights from people living with dementia, tips on making life easier for your loved one, or just some reassurance that what you’re feeling is normal, there’s something out there for you.
We’ve put together a list of some of the best books on dementia that are a great source of support for those living with dementia and their families.
Understanding Dementia
Dementia is a complex and multifaceted condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Dementia is a broad term that describes a decline in cognitive function, including memory loss, difficulty with communication, problem-solving, and other thinking abilities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of cases, but the term dementia is an umbrella that also encompasses vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, Frontotemporal dementia, and other rarer types.
By understanding the condition, family members can provide emotional support, practical care, and help people with dementia maintain their independence and quality of life. This list of books about dementia offers a few suggestions of what to read for an overview of the condition, its effects on families and practical advice on how to support loved ones with dementia.
Personal Stories That Bring the Experience to Life
Dementia isn’t just about memory loss—it affects emotions, relationships, and the way people experience the world. Cognitive decline, a key symptom of dementia, impacts not only memory but also various cognitive functions, making it crucial to understand these changes. Reading personal stories can help families understand what their loved one might be going through, as well as what other carers have learned along the way.
Memoirs and Biographies
Somebody I Used to Know – Wendy Mitchell
Wendy was just 58 when she was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s. In this beautifully written memoir, she shares her journey of learning to live with dementia, offering hope and inspiration to others facing the same path.
Dementia from the Inside – Dr Richard Taylor
A former psychologist diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Richard Taylor gives an honest and insightful look at what it feels like to live with dementia, helping readers understand the emotional side of the condition.
Fiction and Storytelling
The Little Girl in the Radiator – Martin Slevin
A heartwarming and often funny account of a son caring for his mother, this book captures both the love and the challenges of being a carer.
A graphic novel that illustrates the ups and downs of a dementia journey in a simple but deeply moving way.
Practical Tips for Carers
Caring for someone with dementia can feel overwhelming at times. It’s hard to know what’s best, especially as the condition changes over time. These books offer straightforward, practical advice to help make the journey a little easier. The support and insights from health professionals can also be invaluable in aiding caregivers through the challenges of dementia care.
Day-to-Day Care
Dementia Essentials – Jan Hall
This book breaks down what to expect at different stages of dementia and offers clear, compassionate advice on how to provide the best support.
The Selfish Pig’s Guide to Caring – Hugh Marriott
An honest and often humorous take on the emotional side of caregiving, reminding carers that it’s okay to look after themselves too.
Making Life Easier at Home
Receiving a dementia diagnosis can be a life-changing experience for individuals and their families. After a dementia diagnosis, individuals and their families may experience a range of emotions, including worries about how to best care for their loved one. These books offer practical advice on how to cope with the emotional and practical implications of a dementia diagnosis.
Contented Dementia – Oliver James
This book introduces the ‘SPECAL’ approach to dementia care, which focuses on helping people with dementia feel safe, happy, and understood.
The Dementia Garden - Rebecca Clements
A beautifully illustrated children’s book that explains dementia in a simple and gentle way, helping younger family members understand what’s happening.
Coping as a Family
A dementia diagnosis doesn’t just affect the person with the condition—it changes the lives of everyone around them. Relationships shift, roles change, and emotions can run high. These books explore the impact on families and how to navigate the journey together. The importance of family carers is highlighted through personal experiences and insights from those who care for individuals with dementia.
Caring for Nigel – Jenny Bradley
A deeply personal account of caring for a husband with dementia, offering a raw and honest look at the realities of being a family caregiver.
What I Wish People Knew About Dementia: From Someone Who Knows – Wendy Mitchell
A must-read for carers, this book offers an insightful look at life with dementia, challenging common misconceptions and highlighting the importance of understanding, empathy, and support. Drawing from her own experiences, Wendy shares practical advice, showing that life with dementia can still be meaningful and joyful.
Finding Comfort and Support
Dementia can feel like a lonely road, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re looking for practical advice, personal experiences, or just reassurance that you’re doing your best, books can be a wonderful source of support. By sharing experiences and learning from others, we can create a more understanding and compassionate world for people living with dementia and their families.
If you or someone you love has been affected by Alzheimer's disease, remember that help is available. Charities such as the Alzheimer’s Society and Dementia UK offer helplines, support groups, and a wealth of online resources.
Dementia Care in East Renfrewshire
At Mearns View Care Home, we understand how challenging it can be to care for a loved one with dementia. Our compassionate team is here to offer support, guidance, and a warm, welcoming environment where residents can feel safe, valued, and at home.
If you’d like to learn more about our dementia care, our approach to person-centred support, or how we can help your family, please get in touch to book a visit.
