Deeper into the Soul: Beyond Dementia and Alzheimer’s Towards Forgetfulness Care

In Deeper into the Soul: Beyond Dementia and Alzheimer’s Toward Forgetfulness Care, authors Nader Robert Shabahangi, Ph.D. & Bogna Szymkiewicz, Ph.D. invite us to shift our attitude toward dementia, or Forgetfulness, as they call it. Accompanying us are four characters—a sage, a psychologist, a physician, and an intern—who each sees Forgetfulness from a different viewpoint. The goal is to develop a perspective which includes the basic ingredients of openness, curiosity and acceptance.

Deeper into the Soul reminds us that each stage of forgetfulness is a meaningful part of the life journey, during which people experience important emotional and spiritual experiences. The authors remind us that with each effort to understand others, we expand our view of the world. Rather than simply a disease, forgetfulness has purpose and meaning; rather than simply being in need of our care, people with forgetfulness can teach us about life and living; rather than a burden, people with dementia offer us an opportunity to slow down, to be more open and caring, to get in touch with the essence of our human nature. In the process, we deepen ourselves, deepen our souls.

This book is a practical guide for people who work and live with relatives or residents with symptoms of forgetfulness. The authors offer ideas and tips dealing with symptoms such as aggression and wandering, but they also explore a new way of understanding the people for whom we care. They ask the basic existential questions:

• What are the possible meanings of forgetfulness?
• What purpose does it serve for both caregiver and the one experiencing forgetfulness?

For more information, please visit the Deeper into the Soul webpage on the Eldership Academy Press website.