Navigating dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or other dementia diagnoses is challenging. Memory-related conditions take away so much of a person’s independence, including their ability to read their favorite books. Authors and publishers are trying to solve that challenge for early-stage dementia patients and those with moderately progressed disease. Browse some of the most popular books to see how they enable the joy of reading after a dementia diagnosis.

1. “The Sandy Shoreline”

Emma Rose Sparrow writes books specifically for people with dementia. “The Sandy Shoreline”  features short paragraphs in large font, so every page is easy to read for those with a short attention span. The book also uses simplified language that tells a beautiful story without confusing vocabulary.

There are even a few pictures per chapter to help readers visualize what’s on the page. You or a loved one could enjoy a beach vacation without leaving home by opening “The Sandy Shoreline.”

2. “Betty the Bald Chicken”

Lori La Bey and Scott Carlson wanted to show people of all ages that differences aren’t bad. “Betty the Bald Chicken” teaches kids how people impact each other, which is useful in many situations. Readers learn to embrace their feelings after any event, which may help people with dementia process their diagnosis.

The book is also helpful for anyone trying to comfort their kids or grandkids. Reading this book together could make everyone feel understood during challenging times. If you want dementia-friendly books that aren’t about the disease specifically, “Betty the Bald Chicken” would be an excellent addition to your bookshelf.

3. “I Remember the Seasons”

Brenda Poulos expertly writes about the changing seasons for people with dementia. If the condition is already causing memory loss and preventing someone from getting outside, they can experience the joy of seasonal weather through Poulos’s book. She writes quick verses that are easy to read and uses vivid language that creates gorgeous imagery. The book is an opportunity to rediscover the joys of spring, summer, fall and winter.

4. “The Picture Book of Movie Stars”

Seniors with dementia may struggle to remember personal memories, but get excited when discussing their favorite movies. “The Picture Book of Movie Stars” from Sunny Street Books is a collection of mid-20th-century celebrities that could help dementia patients rediscover their past passions.

The book discusses each celebrity’s achievements with big pictures and easy-to-read text. Someone with short-term memory issues may feel more like themselves by engaging their long-term memory through “The Picture Book of Movie Stars.”

5. ​​“A Dovetale Press Adaptation: Sherlock Holmes”

Dovetale Press team members understand that people with dementia miss their favorite stories. The publisher adapts classic books into formats that are much easier to understand after a dementia diagnosis. Their adaptation of Sherlock Holmes stories includes vivid chapter illustrations and spaced-out text.

The black-and-white drawings create the classic feel of an older book while guiding readers through their favorite mystery adventures. People with dementia can always engage in storytelling through social programs, but you or your loved one should also get to curl up with a good book whenever you want.

6. “The Sunshine on My Face”

Memory-challenged adults might resist reading because they need books that are easy to comprehend, but not written for children. Lydia Burdick addresses that challenge with “The Sunshine on My Face.” The picture storybook uses straightforward and cheerful language to tell an upbeat story of everything a character with dementia loves to do.

Readers can use the pages to prompt conversations about what their loved ones enjoy about their current routine as well. Use the book to shift conversations from daily challenges to what makes life fun.

7. “Women’s Poetry Bundle”

Nana’s Books publishes collections to help people with dementia relive their favorite memories. The women’s poetry bundle includes multiple poetry books about kittens, babies and other beloved parts of life. They may momentarily bring back your or your loved one’s memories, adding more joy to each day. The easy-to-read pages and images make the poems easy to follow.

8. Mirador Magazine

The publishers behind Mirador understand that getting new magazines and newspapers on your doorstep was a daily ritual for many people. Memory-related diagnoses make them more challenging to enjoy. Each Mirador edition has large print and short features on everything from science to history. There are even engagement games in each magazine. You can have them delivered to your loved one’s house or care community to reengage the daily routine they used to love.

9. “Reminisce Mysteries Book 1”

Anyone who loved reading mystery novels before getting their Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis could enjoy the Reminisce books from Kirk House Publishers. Each edition contains multiple short stories set between the 1940s and 1960s. Readers enjoy colorful illustrations and large fonts that paint compelling mysteries set during the best decades of their lives.

10. AlzAuthors Books

The AlzAuthors organization has many genres for people with memory-related diagnoses and their loved ones. The memories and fiction novels uncover many perspectives related to losing your memories. There are also books for kids and teens struggling to understand a family member’s diagnosis. Exploring the many options could fill out your bookshelf with inspirational stories when you need them most.

Resources if You Need More Support

While adding dementia-friendly books to your household is an excellent way to stay entertained, there are other ways to stay engaged as the disease progresses. Organizations put together numerous kinds of resources for families and dementia patients, including:

• Alzheimer’s Speaks has a YouTube channel where people can find educational content about dementia care, featuring people walking a similar journey.

• “Dementia/Alzheimer’s Family Caregiver Support” is a Facebook group for caregivers of people with memory-related diagnoses. Nearly 100,000 joined to get nonjudgmental help through conversations they might not feel comfortable having with friends or family.

• Conscious Caregiving With L & L is an Alzheimer’s Speaks podcast covering topics regarding senior health care and dementia. Listeners hear from influencers and leading experts in the industry to learn about things like changing government policies, ageism and more.

These resources could connect you with people walking a similar path. Start feeling less alone by learning about organizations, ongoing events and communities filled with people navigating life with dementia.

Start Reading Dementia-Friendly Books

A dementia diagnosis doesn’t have to take away the joy of reading right away. Books written and designed for memory-challenged adults provide great fictional stories for all reading levels. If you’re a caregiver, try reading your loved one’s new books alongside them. Your efforts could make you both feel less alone and reengage the love of reading.

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