The Spectrum of Hope: An Optimistic and New Approach to Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias

(Hardback)

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A neurologist with 20 years experience treating Alzheimer's and other dementias, Dr. Devi presents a realistic, optimistic viewpoint on the disease. She does not see a diagnosis as a sentence to inexorable decline. Rather she sees Alzheimer's as a spectrum disease that affects different people differently; with early treatment, some people actually improve. By telling the stories of her patients, Dr. Devi compassionately shows the many faces and aspects of the disease and offers guidance for living the fullest possible life. The book will offer hope to those who have Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia, many of whom are under the age of 65.

Reviews

"Captivating, educational, deeply perceptive about human nature--and as calming as a session with a loving, reassuring therapist. Devi is a wonderful, truthful storyteller. . . full of natural understanding and empathy. A very important book that will be helpful to millions of readers who fear this Thing in their lives."
--David Small, author of Stitches

"Tremendously moving. Shows a deep sympathy for both the patients and for their caregivers . . . Several passages moved me to tears. As a fiction writer, I'm in awe of Devi's ability to create a sense of real people, their goals, their concerns, their suffering."
--Lauren Belfer, New York Times bestselling author of And After the Fire, recipient of the National Jewish Book Award

"Gayatri Devi's compassionate and insightful perspective will inform and empower the many patients and their families suffering from Alzheimer's disease." --Gary Small, MD, Director, UCLA Longevity Center, and coauthor of The Alzheimer's Prevention Program

"In this time when Alzheimer's is as feared as cancer, Dr. Devi brings us realism and relief by explaining why it is a spectrum disease, as different as the part of the brain it affects, and by sharing the stories of people who lead unique, rewarding lives even after diagnosis. Since fear is lethal in itself, The Spectrum of Hope is good medicine."--Gloria Steinem

"One of the most valuable ways to support caregivers is with anecdotes from others who through trial and error have found ways to solve problems. Dr. Devi reconstitutes that experience--a terrific addition to the library for the caregiver!"--Sam Gandy, MD, PhD, Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry, Mount Sinai Chair in Alzheimer's Disease Research

"The Spectrum of Hope not only is a valuable resource for anyone receiving (or caring for someone with) a dementia diagnosis but should also be read by doctors for its lessons on how to imaginatively and sympathetically think about patients."--Francine Prose

"This book is a game changer. Dr. Devi's prescription for a personalized approach to dementia diagnosis and management is the new standard of care." --Murali Doraiswamy, MBBS, Director, Neurocognitive Disorders Program, Department of Psychiatry, Duke University, and coauthor of The Alzheimer's Action Plan

Author Bio

Gayatri Devi, MD, FACP, FAAN is the Director of the New York Memory and Healthy Aging Services and an Attending Physician at Lenox Hill Hospital. She is a board certified neurologist, with additional board certifications in Pain Medicine, Psychiatry, and Behavioral Neurology, and she served on the faculty of New York University's School of Medicine as Clinical Associate Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry until 2015. She is the author of over 50 publications in peer-reviewed journals on the topic of memory loss, as well as the books Estrogen, Memory and Menopause, What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Alzheimer's Disease, and A Calm Brain.