Laura Venables, who works on the Society's Engagement and Participation programme, was fascinated by Kate's account of 'prescribed disengagement'. This is how Kate describes the advice she says she was given - but ignored - to withdraw from her life and work after she was diagnosed. Laura says, 'Kate challenges the assumptions that are continuously brought out to define living ... Read morewith dementia. 'She openly illustrates her experiences of striving to continue life as she lived it the day before she was diagnosed, and of all the opportunities that she has become involved with since diagnosis - it's exciting stuff!'
Laura Venables
Alzheimer Society Book Group
Keith Oliver, a Society ambassador who has Alzheimer's, says the book covers areas that he hasn't seen written about in such personal and emotive ways elsewhere. He adds, 'The structure of short, crisp chapters works extremely well and gives the author the opportunity to structure her thinking and experience in a clear way.'
Keith Oliver
Alzheimer Society Book Group
Janet Baylis, Manager of our Dementia Knowledge Centre, says, 'There are few books written by people with dementia. This is one that I would strongly recommend to anyone with a recent diagnosis who is searching for answers about living well with their condition.'
Janet Baylis
Alzheimer Society Book Group
The scope of Kate's book is beyond that which anyone else with dementia has attempted. She reflects upon loneliness, guilt, driving, aged care, writing and advocacy.
John Killick
Australian Journal of Dementia Care
Before being diagnosed with younger onset dementia, Kate Swaffer loved to study, to learn, to be of service to others. Now living with dementia, she has not changed in these respects whatsoever. Her wonderfully illuminating book should be required reading for people and families living with dementia.
Steven R. Sabat, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology, Georgetown University, Washington D.C., U.S.A. Show Less