This webpage provides a list of books and resources, with accompanying commentary, all curated by Robin Thomson. Robin is the author of our June 2026 edition of Cambridge Papers on ‘Dementia and the response of the churches: Caring for church members, supporting the caregivers, and building partnerships’. About the books, in particular, he writes: ‘Here are some of the books that I found most helpful at our most challenging time and since then.’
By way of disclaimer, we should add that this extensive range and diverse of resources has not been reviewed by the editorial group of Cambridge Papers and by including details here we should not be understood necessarily to endorse all of the views and opinions expressed in these resources.
Seven simple introductions
John Zeisel, I’m Still Here, London: Piatkus, 2011
The person with Alzheimer’s is still the same person with whom we can relate, but it is a different relationship. That is the main point of this warm and beautifully written book. It also gives a basic understanding of Alzheimer’s and its main symptoms and their effects, together with detailed practical guidelines for communicating and building the new relationship.This was the first book I read, at a time when I was struggling to understand what was happening. It was a revelation, giving a clear and sympathetic understanding of the person living with Alzheimer’s.
John Dunlop, Finding Grace in the Face of Dementia, Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2017
I read this book later than Zeisel but I would put it equal at the head of the list. It gives a clear and warm introduction to the medical facts, along with practical advice on how to relate and care. Dunlop’s position as a geriatric physician gives authority to the medical part, while his experience caring for his own parents makes his practical advice compassionate and authentic.
William Cutting, Dementia: A Positive Response, Exeter: Onwards and Upwards, 2018
Good medical material with a lot of practical advice. It covers similar ground to the other introductions. Dr Cutting especially advocates a very positive and active response to the early stages, with the conviction that this will help people to lead a full and even comfortable life.
Simon Atkins, First Steps to Living with Dementia, Oxford: Lion Hudson, 2013
Written by a GP, another clear and sympathetic overview, from medical facts to practical responses. Quite brief, so easy to assimilate!
Tina English, A Great Place to Grow Old, London, Darton, Longman & Todd, 2021
A simple and accessible introduction to working with older people in general. The chapter on Dementia gives a clear and comprehensive overview in just 20 pages, while the next chapter on Carers is helpful in examining the challenges that carers face and some resources for supporting them.
Lee-Fay Low, Live and Laugh with Dementia, Chatswood, NSW: Exisle Publishing, 2014
This has a simple focus: how to maintain active relationships with the person living with dementia. It is extremely practical and full of optimism, with fascinating case studies of people at different stages of dementia, enabling you to assess what stage your situation has reached. I wish I had read this sooner.
Stephen Miller, Communicating Across Dementia, London: Robinson, 2015
Clear guidance on how to talk, listen, provide stimulation and give comfort to people living with dementia. The author covers almost all the relevant areas in a sensitive way, turning some of the key principles that other recent books advocate into simple and practical guidelines, with many examples.
Personal stories
Any of the books above gives a good starting point for understanding. Along with them it will be good to read these personal accounts.
Sally Magnusson, Where Memories Go, London: Two Roads, 2014
The story of her mother, Mamie, her gradual descent into Alzheimer’s and the struggles of her children as they cared for her. The detailed accounts of their actual situation and the gaps in the system rang true to our experience. I kept nodding ‘Yes, just like us’ and was eager to learn what happened next.
Oliver James, Contented Dementia, London: Vermilion, 2009
This is based on the story of Penny Garton caring for her mother, but that is the starting point for a much wider exploration and definite guidelines for supporting people with dementia. It is a very particular approach. I found some of it less applicable, but the main thesis was really helpful: the person with dementia needs to be respected within their present world and frame of reference. So don’t keep asking questions; learn from them; enter into their world. And always agree.
Robertson McQuilkin, A Promise Kept, Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1999
A remarkable story – quite short – of faithfulness and love, caring for his wife for twenty-five years. Very inspiring.
Christine Bryden, Who will I be when I die? London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 1998, 2012
Christine Bryden was a high-flying government official in her 50s when she was diagnosed with young onset dementia in 1995. She describes vividly the shock of her early experiences of dementia, her work for advocacy and the measure of healing she has also experienced, though the prayer of many friends. A second edition, sixteen years after her diagnosis, marks her continuing life with dementia.
Christine Bryden, Dancing with Dementia, London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2005
This continues her story of living positively with dementia, helping to bring radical change around the world in understanding and attitudes to people living with dementia. It contains more detail of what it is like to live with dementia, her fears of losing identity and her trust in God for the present and future. Both books are remarkable accounts of faith and hope.
Jennifer Bute with Louise Morse, Dementia From the Inside: A Doctor’s Personal Journey of Hope, London: SPCK, 2018
Jennifer Bute’s experience of early onset dementia enables her to speak ‘from the inside’; to show the many positive aspects, in contrast to common fears and stereotypes. As with Christine Bryden and Wendy Mitchell’s books, her insights are valuable for caregivers and family too.
Robin Thomson, Living with Alzheimer’s – a love story, London: Instant Apostle, 2020
When Robin’s wife, Shoko, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, they had no idea what lay ahead. They learned the hard way, going through relentless pressure as Shoko’s personality gradually changed and she lost her capacity in many areas – but not her constant affection and love. They also experienced love and practical help from family and friends, backed up by health and social care professionals. (C)
Wendy Mitchell, Somebody I Used to Know, London: Bloomsbury, 2019
The writer was diagnosed in 2014 as having young onset Alzheimer’s, at the age of 58. She wrote and spoke all over the country about her condition, giving a remarkable picture from the inside. Although she and others like her are a minority, their insights are really valuable for families and caregivers.
Wendy Mitchell, What I Wish People Knew About Dementia, From Someone Who Knows, London: Bloomsbury, 2022
Described as a ‘practical guide to living with dementia’. It took her ‘many years to work out strategies that enabled her to “live well with dementia”… Her book is a compilation of these strategies: a kind of how-to manual for people with the condition and those who support them.’ (Review by Nicci Gerrard in The Guardian, Tue 1 Feb 2022)
Jude Wilton, Can I Tell You About Dementia? A Guide for Family, Friends and Carers, London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2013
This isn’t really a story, but it comes through the words of ‘Jack’, a person living with dementia, describing his experience, which gives the basis for simple, practical and encouraging advice.
Lucy Whitman (editor), Telling Tales About Dementia, London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2010
A collection of thirty stories by those caring for a parent, partner or friend with dementia. They reflect their experience of pain and loss, their struggles with finding support, and the hope and love that they also discovered. The whole book is moving and informative.
Some comprehensive perspectives
You might choose to begin with these books instead of the simpler introductions above.
Julian Hughes, Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias (The Facts), Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2011
Fairly short but remarkably detailed and authoritative, with good material on the personal and spiritual care of people with dementia.
The next two books go side by side:
June Andrews, Dementia: The One-Stop Guide, London: Profile Books, 2015
This is comprehensive, as its title suggests, covering the medical, social, practical, financial and legal aspects. That means that some parts are brief, but it’s a reliable overall guide.
Simon Atkins, Dementia for Dummies, Chichester: John Wiley & Sons, 2015
This covers the same ground as June Andrews, as part of the ‘for Dummies’ series. Although it is so comprehensive, I personally found Dr Simon Atkins’ earlier and shorter introduction (First Steps to Living with Dementia, see above) simpler and clearer at several points.
There is a later edition of this book, published in the USA [and somewhat modified for readers there]. It is called Alzheimer’s & Dementia for Dummies, Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, 2016.
Bernard Coope and Felicity Richards (editors), ABC of Dementia, Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell, 2007
This is written for doctors and other medical personnel, so it is quite technical in parts. It covers all areas, with strong sections on person-centred care and the use and limitations of medication.
Reflections and further resources
John Killick, Dementia Positive, Edinburgh: Luath Press Limited, 2014
The subtitle is ‘A Handbook Based on Lived Experiences’. John Killick has worked with people with dementia and their carers for many years. He shares their experiences, often in their own words, to show creative ways in which we can understand and relate to people with dementia. It is accessible, practical and positive.
John Swinton, Dementia: Living in the Memories of God, London: SCM Press, 2012, 2017
A reflection on what it means to be a person in the context of a disease which takes away memory and threatens self-consciousness. Definitely not an introductory book but deep and ultimately very encouraging. It particularly brings out the importance of community and friendship to sustain relationships with those living with dementia.
Joanna Collicutt, Thinking of You: A Resource for the Spiritual Care of People with Dementia, Abingdon: Bible Reading Fellowship, 2017
A comprehensive introduction: dementia itself and its medical and social effects; what happens to the person living with dementia, in relation to themselves, to others and to God; spiritual care – being present, making meaning and ‘re-membering’ the person. The final section has guidelines for dementia-friendly churches.
Nicci Gerrard, What Dementia Teaches us about Love, London: Allen Lane, 2019
The author reflects on her relationship with her father, who died from dementia. This led her to interview people of all backgrounds – living with dementia, caregivers, health and social care professionals, researchers – searching for answers to the deep questions and truths that dementia raises for us as individuals and as a society.
Louise Morse, Worshipping with Dementia, Oxford: Monarch Books, 2010
People living with dementia are still people, who can connect spiritually at deep levels. A collection of meditations, Bible passages, prayers and hymns for caregivers, people living with dementia, families, church groups and medical or social care professionals. Its simplicity is its great strength.
Tricia Williams, What Happens to Faith when Christians Get Dementia? Eugene, Oregon: Pickwick Publications, 2021
An in-depth qualitative study of four men and four women living with mild to moderate dementia. The main thrust of the book is that the ‘engrained’ faith experience gained in earlier years and from belonging to a faith community can continue into the later stages of dementia and even go on growing. The writer makes pertinent recommendations for the local church, the wider community of faith and the development of new theological perspectives.*
* extracts from a review in the Dementia Newsletter No 57, May 2021
Robin Thomson, Unfailing Love; 30 Devotions to encourage Dementia Caregivers, The Good Book Co, July 2025
Provides support and care for the caregiver with 30 short devotions on simple gospel truths. It is possible both to lament and to trust God at the same time—you can bring your struggles honestly to him as you continue to find strength in his word. Woven throughout are stories from fellow caregivers.
Wendy Gleadle and Frances Attwood, Dementia, God and the Church, BRF Resources, July 2026
Written by two practitioners in this field, Dementia, God and the Church shows how person-centred approaches to dementia can provide hope. Wendy Gleadle examines the implications if faith is not only cognitive, but an expression of the whole person. Frances Attwood asks how churches can better support those living with dementia, through examining what they and their families and carers find helpful and want most.
There are many, many more books, articles and other resources on every aspect of dementia. You will find references in the books listed above. I have not included any of those that give advice on diet, exercise and lifestyle, nor those explaining research into the causes and possible cures, except this:
Joseph Jebelli, In Pursuit of Memory, London: John Murray, 2017
A brilliant survey exploring the many different avenues in the search for causes and cures for Alzheimer’s, from Alois Alzheimer in 1906 up to the time of publication. Since then there have been a number of significant advances in medication. The research continues.
Some helpful websites and organisations
1. Websites
AlzAuthors
This offers a growing collection of books, articles, podcasts and other resources, from the USA and other countries, including many personal stories.
Alzheimer’s Disease International
‘The Global Voice on Dementia’ supports and works with Alzheimer’s and dementia associations in 120 countries, as well as people living with dementia, carers and all relevant organisations to help raise awareness, challenge stigma and to call for dementia to be the global health priority it needs to be.
Alzheimer’s Society or Association in many countries gives comprehensive information and links for each country (https://www.alz.org/ (USA) or https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/(UK) and many others).
Being Patient
Covering the latest Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia news through journalism, patient perspectives and exclusive interviews with leading experts. News, advice, stories and support.
Dementia Network Newsletter
Twice yearly newsletter with helpful information, book reviews and comments, produced by Christians on Ageing: available from https://christiansonageing.org.uk
Embracing Age
https://www.embracingage.org.uk/
A Christian charity working towards a world where older people are valued, connected and full of hope, by combatting loneliness, mobilising volunteers, speaking out, and equipping churches. The website includes resources on dementia and resources for carers.
Faith in Later Life
Faith in Later Life exists to inspire and equip Christians to reach, serve and empower older people in every community, through the local Church
Legal and financial questions
https://pathwaysthroughdementia.org/
Pathways Through Dementia provides free legal and financial information to support people living with dementia.
See also for the UK:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/
https://parkinsonscare.org.uk/apply-for-respite-care/
Shaftesbury (Livability)
https://www.shaftesburygroup.org/
https://www.livability.org.uk/about-us/
The charity that’s committed to enabling people with disabilities to live the life they want to lead. Care + Education + Rehabilitation. Excellent material on how churches can welcome and be inclusive
WHO iSupport manual
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241515863
An online knowledge and skills training programme – a self-help tool for carers of people with dementia, including family members, relatives and friends. Available online or as printed pdf. Five modules with accompanying exercises.
2. Examples of Church initiatives
Anna Chaplaincy
https://www.annachaplaincy.org.uk/
This charity’s strap line is ‘Offering spiritual care in later life’ and its website includes resources on a range of topics including dementia.
Caraway
https://www.caraway.uk.com/about-us/
‘Spiritually resourcing the older person’; working together with the local church and the health and social sectors in Southampton.
Embracing Age
Here are some free training materials for churches to support those living with dementia:
https://www.embracingage.org.uk/supporting-carers-course.html
The Crowborough Barnabas Support Group
https://www.allsaintscrowborough.org/
Visit their website and search for ‘dementia’.
Churches Together in Greater Bristol
https://www.together4bristol.org.uk/Articles/526030/Becoming_a_Dementia.aspx
A free resource pack from Churches Together in Greater Bristol. “Becoming a dementia-friendly church”.
Diocese of Lichfield
https://www.lichfield.anglican.org/core-resources-dementia.php
The Diocese of Lichfield has been actively involved in dementia-friendly church since 2014. The Diocese has now been recognised by the Alzheimer’s Society as a dementia friendly community.
3. National Support Groups in the UK
Admiral Nurses (Dementia UK)
https://www.dementiauk.org/get-support/admiral-nurses-leaflet/
An introduction to the work of Admiral Nurses throughout the UK.
Age UK
(look under information and advice/health and wellbeing/Conditions and illnesses/dementia)
Alzheimer’s Society (information on all aspects)
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/
Carers Trust (support for carers)
Carers UK (support for carers)
Dementia Carers Count (support for carers)
http://www.dementiacarers.org.uk
Excellent training material for those who want to support caregivers:
https://dementiacarers.org.uk/vcc/live-online-learning/
Dementia Friends (Support, stories, ‘dementia friends’, ‘dementia champions’)
https://www.dementiafriends.org.uk
Dementia Pathfinders
https://www.dementiapathfinders.org/what-we-do
A not-for-profit third sector organisation providing dementia education and therapeutic activities for people affected by dementia. Its work includes supporting family carers and contributing to local initiatives to create dementia inclusive communities.