After Walt was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, he knew his quality of life ahead would steadily decline. He wanted to die with dignity. He wanted to still feel like himself in the end. Before I Lose My Own Mind is the true story of a couple navigating the legal and moral battles of a death with dignity, as well as a reminder for all caregivers: take care of yourself, too.

Beverly E Thorn, Walt’s wife and eventual caregiver, wrote Before I Lose My Own Mind as part memoir / part guide. The book features bulleted facts at the end of each chapter, resources and information for caregivers, and stories of Walt before, during, and after his mental decline. Beverly’s love for her late husband is written all over the pages—we see how charismatic, intelligent, and articulate he was in every scene. But like many caregivers, Beverly struggled internally. She took on the role of full-time caregiver, nurse, and counselor (all without pay) and watched Walt’s friends and family slowly drift away, leaving her to figure everything out herself. She struggled to take care of herself atop caring for Walt, and that struggle prompted her to write this book.

The story is raw, tragic, and emotional. It covers hard truths about disease, mortality, and the physical, emotional, and psychological tolls of full-time caregiving. As someone without much knowledge of Alzheimer’s or dementia, the book did an excellent job of informing readers like me while also making space for experts or people with loved ones that suffer from dementia. But the book isn’t all bleak—Thorn blends humor and sarcasm to keep readers hopeful and engaged.

I especially recommend this book to anyone with an interest in healthcare, science, or caregiving. Five stars.

In Before I Lose My Own Mind, Dr. Beverly Thorn delivers a deeply moving account of the journey she and her husband, Walt, faced in confronting the dreadful changes associated with his early dementia and its progression over a period of years. Those facing similar situations in their own lives at an early stage may find the honest and detailed daily examples of life in a household with a spouse suffering from dementia a bit difficult at times to read what may be in front of them. However, this book details the reality of life, and I had found in my own practice as a physician that more information is better for patients and family than not being forthcoming and honest. I've heard so many patients say that they wish other doctors had been so thorough in explaining what was going on with them.

The book is a comprehensive blueprint or roadmap of what to expect, what resources are available in specific areas, and how to approach living wills and significant end of life decisions. I highly recommend it.