Ann Has Dementia - Books Beyond Words (Paperback)

This book helps explain what happens when you, or someone you know, gets dementia. In the Books Beyond Words series the stories are told through pictures only. They are for adults with learning (intellectual) disabilities, but are useful for anyone with communication difficulties. People with intellectual disabilities (especially those with Down's Syndrome) tend to develop dementia ten years or so earlier than those without, plus it can be harder to diagnose. In this book Ann becomes forgetful and does things that start to worry her friends, like putting the milk in the washing machine and going shopping wearing her nightdress. She visits the doctor and is diagnosed with dementia. Ann's GP (family doctor) and supporter try to provide the right care for her at home in the early days of her dementia. However, Ann becomes so confused that she eventually moves into residential care. There is text at the back of the book that includes: background information on dementia (including baseline assessments, early signs and the importance of identity and recording changes), guidance for supporters and carers on using the books, a suggested storyline, plus updated contact details for supporting organisations and related resources (both printed and online).