Nothing about us, without us!

You must read Christine Bryden's book if you have any connection with dementia (and even if you do not, because at some point you will). Christine speaks to us elegantly and forcefully from that other country of dementia as one of its leading ambassadors. She humanizes this condition, and takes you along on her journey through this territory. No one can truly say that they understand dementia until finishing this stirring and totally candid volume. Do so - today. -- Cameron J. Camp, Ph.D., Director of Research, Center for Applied Research in Dementia, Ohio, USA Christine's journey as a dementia advocate is truly remarkable. This collection of talks and presentations demonstrates the incredible progress that has been made as a result of her determination to make the world a more inclusive place for people living with dementia. I thank Christine for telling her story to the world, and share her hope that this book will help make this dream a reality. -- Marc Wortmann, Executive Director, Alzheimer's Disease International Dementia is not a concept, an idea or a diagnostic category. It is a meaningful human experience that occurs within the lives of people who have hopes, dreams and expectations that are not bound by the limitations of failing neurology. In this book, Christine Bryden offers some deep insights into why we need to re-think dementia. Drawing on her own powerful narrative, she offers a way of re-narrating dementia which takes seriously the neurological, but refuses to be defined or reduced to it. As one reflects on the narratives and reflections presented within this book one is inevitably transformed, both in terms of one's thinking about dementia, but more profoundly in terms of realising the breadth and depth of what it actually means to be a human being and to live humanly in all circumstances. -- Professor John Swinton, Chair in Divinity and Religious Studies, University of Aberdeen, and author of 'Dementia: Living in the Memories of God' Christine Bryden chronicles her two-decade journey living with a diagnosis of dementia, exploding myths and stereotypes along the way. Even in the face of cognitive struggles, Christine embodies personal growth, sharing her insights about the lived experience of dementia. Her inspirational journey of advocacy has evolved to co-founding an international movement on behalf of people who share the diagnosis, and more recently taking on traditional models of care and the need for inclusive communities. I can't wait for the next twenty years! -- G. Allen Power, MD, author of 'Dementia Beyond Drugs' and 'Dementia Beyond Disease' Nothing About Us, Without Us! demonstrates powerfully that persons with dementia remain persons in the most fundamentally important ways. Christine Bryden, living with dementia for two decades, expertly teaches what helps and what hinders people diagnosed and communicates beautifully why the Golden Rule should be applied regardless of one's medical condition. The book will educate people with dementia, care partners, lay people, and professionals. -- Steven R. Sabat, PhD, Professor of Psychology, Georgetown University, author of 'The Experience of Alzheimer's Disease' and co-editor of 'Dementia: Mind, Meaning, and the Person'