Dignity for Deeply Forgetful People

"Essential reading for all caregivers, family, and healthcare providers for deeply forgetful people."

"As a son who experienced up close the painful yet precious course of Alzheimer's over two decades, I wish I had had the benefit of Dr. Post's book at hand. In this most enlightening study of the mystery of human dignity and identity under siege, he lifts the veil on that dreaded disease and provides insights, explanations, and hope for retaining the connections that count. Those unexpected, seemingly miraculous glimmers of the beloved as 'through a glass darkly' are here illumined both scientifically and spiritually as we confront our ultimate humanity—and human potential—face to face."

"Dr. Stephen G. Post brings to this book his tremendous compassion and understanding for the persons he calls 'deeply forgetful,' placing them on the same spectrum with all of us. The great humanity of his approach makes for a deeply rich, resilient, and nurturing community for us all. A must-read!"

"I am pleased to see that the noted author Dr. Stephen G. Post is addressing themes such as consciousness and interconnectedness in his new book, which will contribute to the flourishing of humanity."

"The best summary of medical ethical issues in Alzheimer's disease from diagnosis to the end stage yet produced by anyone. Stephen G. Post is recognized worldwide as the foremost medical humanist and ethicist writing on this vitally important topic. This wonderfully written book awakens us to the continuing selfhood of these 'differently abled' people and helps us all to affirm their inalienable dignity."

"Post is a writer who can bring his soul into his words. In this book he magically connects the creative, the metaphysical, and the existential with practical ethics. His insightful analysis of human vulnerability, the fragile nature of our memories, the call for compassionate care, and the voice of the caregiver is grounded in consciousness."

"Stephen Post writes tenderly, lovingly, and wisely about those among us with failing mental faculties. This is a breakthrough book, innovative, humane, inclusive, and uniquely significant. Post thoughtfully probes every imaginable practical ethical question that a caregiver might have based on his three decades of ethics consultation with families. This is one book that every caregiver and professional should read."

"With stories and solid intellectual grounding, this masterpiece is vital reading for the dementia field and far beyond. I traveled with Stephen Post to nearly every state in the United States in the 1990s as we organized the first ethics and dignity conferences for thousands of caregivers and healthcare professionals through the Alzheimer's Association chapters. A founding member of the Association's National Ethics Committee, Stephen helped shape our national ethics guidelines and was among the first to bring medical ethics to caregivers throughout North America. A captivating and challenging public speaker, he stressed the continuity of selfhood in persons with dementia (not patients, not victims, not disposable). In this new book, our lifelong advocate and teacher updates his arguments for inclusion of 'deeply forgetful' people in our shared humanity."

"Dr. Stephen G. Post has greatly influenced Japanese care for deeply forgetful people, and he has inspired us to deliberate more about dignity, autonomy, identity, and authenticity. As an extraordinary and impactful keynote speaker at our annual meetings of the Japan Association for Clinical Ethics, he has greatly influenced clinical ethical thinking in Japan about issues pertaining to the final stage."

"Dr. Stephen G. Post brings a hopeful and human perspective to those who think differently as they are living with cognitive changes while acknowledging the emotional and psychological impact on the family caregiver. His message and ethical approach to interactions support the enduring selfhood of the deeply forgetful, restoring dignity and honoring our shared humanity."

"In this serious and uplifting book we can feel Post's passion for the 'dignity of deeply forgetful people,' learn to notice and appreciate their expressions of continuing self-identity, and include them in our vision of a shared humanity. Drawing from years of experience, Post offers answers to the big ethical questions that Alzheimer's presents and challenges us all to set aside 'hypercognitive biases' and learn from these 'differently abled' people as we come to see them anew."