Looking Past Dementia

Learning from Those Who Live with It

Non-Fiction - Self Help
Kindle Edition
Reviewed on 09/08/2026
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Makeda Cummings for Readers' Favorite

In Looking Past Dementia, Marysue Moses gives us a refreshing, strengths-based look at how to care for people living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of cognitive decline. It carefully explores a health journey that so many people misunderstand. The book shows readers practical ways to talk and connect that put empathy way ahead of correcting facts. Moses explains that behaviors like confabulation are usually just defensive shields rather than deliberate lies, meaning caregivers should respond with blameless apologies and gentle redirection. The pages guide you through creating purpose-driven activities that connect with an individual’s past identity, such as using specific olfactory triggers or familiar songs. It also walks through the emotional milestones of transitioning to professional memory care when staying at home is no longer safe. Most of all, it offers the kind of support families need to recognize when a change is necessary, thereby making the process calm and deeply respectful for everyone involved.

Looking Past Dementia by Marysue Moses is an informative self-help manual and caregiving resource that uncomplicates the daily struggles of neurological aging. It provides a candid but thoughtful read, breaking down complex clinical terms into simple steps any household can use. Moses’ inclusion of real-life stories from her time working in care communities adds a nice layer of warmth to the pages, making the structural advice on lifestyle habits and risk management feel a lot less intimidating. The sections explaining therapeutic fibbing reveal a true understanding of human relationships, proving that validation really is the highest form of respect. By keeping the focus on the intact heart instead of cognitive deficits, this book shows how to maintain a supportive community for aging loved ones. It is a beautiful testament to the truth that human value is never lost, offering a helpful blueprint for keeping mutual joy and dignity alive during life’s most challenging chapters. Very highly recommended.