Sign-In
Cart
The Words She Left Behind: How Alzheimer's Changed Our Story
Hardcover
Aging & Elder CareAlzheimer's & DementiaGeneral Psychology
Publisher: Tanya A. Taibl
Published: Aug 15 2026
Pages: 306
Weight: 1.27
Height: 0.75 Width: 6.00 Depth: 9.00
Language: English
She didn't know it, but her death sentence came in late July 2024. We all knew something was very wrong with my aunt Toni-she was unraveling. Toni became the worst possible version of herself, day by day, and sometimes, moment by moment. I never told her, but on a quick Saturday morning phone call with my aunt's neurologist, she was diagnosed with the most common form of dementia-Alzheimer's disease. This diagnosis changed everything, including the hate I carried for her for almost two decades.
The Words She Left Behind is a deeply personal memoir about the author's journey in watching her aunt Toni slowly disappear from Alzheimer's disease, while uncovering lost secrets about her aunt's past. When Tanya first becomes Toni's caretaker by necessity, she discovers over forty years of her aunt's journals tucked away in a forgotten attic. Through reading Toni's firsthand account of her progression through the terminal disease, Tanya begins to find understanding and empathy that leads to healing for their whole family-a family who suffered greatly due to Toni's decade of delusions and hallucinations.
This story shows the unraveling that occurs years before an Alzheimer's diagnosis, the persistence to seek healing, and the grief that happens before death. Caregivers will relate to the personal account of Alzheimer's impact on a family, the inside look into the mind of a loved one facing deterioration, and the understanding that leads to forgiveness.
Also in
Alzheimer's & Dementia
When Memory Fades: What to Expect at Every Stage, from Early Signs to Full Support for Alzheimer's and Dementia
Chin, Nathaniel
Hardcover
Brain Defenders: Harness the Power of Your Immune Cells to Protect Your Brain for Life
Perlmutter, David, M. D.
Hardcover
The Invincible Brain: The Clinically Proven Plan to Age-Proof Your Brain and Stay Sharp for Life
Fotuhi, Majid
Hardcover
The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for People with Alzheimer Disease, Other Dementias, and Memory Loss
Rabins, Peter V.
Mace, Nancy L.
Paperback
The Stimulated Mind: Future-Proof Your Brain from Dementia and Stay Sharp at Any Age
Wood, Tommy
Hardcover
The Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, Hope, and Yourself on the Caregiving Path
Heming Willis, Emma
Hardcover
Mayo Clinic on Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias, Revised and Updated: A Guide for People with Dementia and Those Who Care for Them
Graff-Radford, Jonathan
Lunde, Angela
Hardcover
The Everything Easy Mind Diet Cookbook: 175 Delicious Recipes to Combat Dementia, Improve Cognitive Function, and Support Overall Health
Ellingsworth, Christy
Paperback
The Vanishing Family: Love, Fate, and the Quest to End Dementia (Large Print Edition)
Kolker, Robert
Paperback
299 On-The-Go Games & Puzzles to Keep Your Brain Young: Minutes a Day to Mental Fitness
Linde, Nancy
Paperback
The Dementia Care Toolkit: Real Help for Challenging Behaviors and Caregiving Overwhelm
Edmonds, Natali
Paperback
The Alzheimer's Solution: A Breakthrough Program to Prevent and Reverse the Symptoms of Cognitive Decline at Every Age
Sherzai, Dean
Sherzai, Ayesha
Paperback
Forget Me Not: The #1 Alzheimer's and Dementia Guide for Professional and Family Caregivers
Kostiw, Debra
Paperback
The End of Alzheimer's Program: The First Protocol to Enhance Cognition and Reverse Decline at Any Age
Bredesen, Dale
Paperback
The Caregiver's Guide to Dementia: Practical Advice for Caring for Yourself and Your Loved One
Weatherill, Gail, RN Caed
Paperback
A Healthy Brain for Life: How to Prevent Alzheimer's, Dementia, and Memory Loss
Furman Richard MD Facs
Paperback
The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for People with Alzheimer Disease, Other Dementias, and Memory Loss
Mace, Nancy L.
Rabins, Peter V.
Hardcover
Healthy Brain Origami: Fold Decorative Paper Models That Boost Mental Acumen and Keep Your Brain Active! (Craft a Happier, Healthier Brain!)
Ohara, Mayumi
Yokoi, Katsushi
Paperback
The End of Alzheimer's: The First Program to Prevent and Reverse Cognitive Decline
Bredesen, Dale
Paperback
Reversing Alzheimer's: The New Toolkit to Improve Cognition and Protect Brain Health
Sandison, Heather
Hardcover
Reversing Alzheimer's: How to Prevent Dementia and Revitalize Your Brain
Smith, Timothy J., MD
Paperback
The Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, Hope, and Yourself on the Caregiving Path (Large Print Edition)
Heming Willis, Emma
Paperback
Loving Someone Who Has Dementia: How to Find Hope While Coping with Stress and Grief
Boss, Pauline
Paperback
Through the Years: More Activities for Memory-Challenged Adults and Their Caregivers
Beloff, Joan
Green, Cynthia R.
Paperback
Travelers to Unimaginable Lands: Stories of Dementia, the Caregiver, and the Human Brain
Kiper, Dasha
Paperback
Forget Me Not: The #1 Alzheimer's and Dementia Guide for Professional and Family Caregivers
Kostiw, Debra
Hardcover
ALZ Fired Up!: On the Unstoppable Nature of Early-Onset Alzheimer's Disease and One Man's Quest to Outpace It
Terwilliger, Sean
Paperback
The New Testosterone Treatment: How You and Your Doctor Can Fight Breast Cancer, Prostate Cancer, and Alzheimer's
Cane, William
Friedman, Edward
Paperback
The Five Finger Plan to a Healthy Brain: Prevent and Reduce the Risk of Alzheimer's and Memory Loss
Hellénius, Mai-Lis
Kivipelto, Miia
Paperback
Heal Your Gut, Save Your Brain: The Five Pillars of Enhancing Your Gut and Optimizing Your Cognitive Health
Nandi, Partha
Hardcover
I hear you: Talking and listening to people with Alzheimer's (and other dementias)
Mahakian, Jane
Kuhn, Alyson
Paperback
The Youngest Bee: A Louisiana Story of Sisterhood, Strength, and Alzheimer's
Evans, Virginia
Paperback
Is It Alzheimer's?: 101 Answers to Your Most Pressing Questions about Memory Loss and Dementia
Rabins, Peter V.
Hardcover
Reminiscing 1960s America: Memory Lane Picture Book For Seniors with Dementia and Alzheimer's patients. (Large Print Edition)
Melgren, Jacqueline
Paperback
Diagnosis Dementia: Your Guide for Eldercare Planning and Crisis Management
Smith, Nicole J.
Paperback
Memory Rescue: Supercharge Your Brain, Reverse Memory Loss, and Remember What Matters Most
Amen MD Daniel G.
Paperback
I Remember That!: Captivating Stories, Interesting Facts and Fun Trivia for Seniors (Large Print Edition)
O'Neill, Bill
Paperback
Led by Love, Guided by Faith: Proven Practices of a Daughter and a Dementia Coach
Spadaccini, Sharon Ermel
Gaumond, Meri Luarasi
Paperback
Is It Alzheimer's?: 101 Answers to Your Most Pressing Questions about Memory Loss and Dementia
Rabins, Peter V.
Paperback
Live Younger Longer 6 Steps to Prevent Heart Disease, Cancer, Alzheimer's, Diabetes and More
Kopecky, Stephen
Paperback
The Caregiver's Path to Compassionate Decision Making: Making Choices for Those Who Can't
Kind, Viki
Paperback
Dancing in the Face of Death: A Journey of Love, Caregiving, and Courage amid a Dementia Diagnosis
Koen, Susan L.
Paperback
The 30-Day Alzheimer's Solution: The Definitive Food and Lifestyle Guide to Preventing Cognitive Decline
Sherzai, Ayesha
Sherzai, Dean
Hardcover
I'm Losing My Memory; I'm NOT Losing My Mind: A Frank Perspective about Living with Early Dementia
Faith, Sally
Paperback
I Love Someone with Dementia... So Why Am I Losing My Mind?: A Practical Guide
Friesen Rn, Beth
Paperback
Fun and Relaxing Activities for Adults: Puzzles for People with Dementia [Large-Print] (Large Print Edition)
Books, Mighty Oak
Paperback
The Indoctrinated Brain: How to Successfully Fend Off the Global Attack on Your Mental Freedom
Nehls, Michael
Hardcover
Pet Laughs a Picture Book In Large Print For Adults And Seniors (Large Print Edition)
Thornton, Nevads
Paperback
The End of Alzheimer's: The First Program to Prevent and Reverse Cognitive Decline
Bredesen, Dale
Hardcover
Dementia Activities For Seniors: Puzzles for People with Dementia, Large-Print. (Large Print Edition)
Austin, Felicia
Paperback
Farm Life: a Picture Book In Large Print For Adults And Seniors (Large Print Edition)
Thornton, Nevada
Paperback
LARGE PRINT Coloring books for adults relaxation HAPPINESS: Simple coloring book for adults HAPPINESS (Large Print Edition)
Thornton, Nevada
Paperback
Hymns Picture Book: Activities for Seniors with Dementia, Alzheimer Patients, and Parkinson's Disease. (Large Print Edition)
Melgren, Jacqueline
Paperback
2 Weeks to a Younger Brain: An Innovative Program for a Better Memory and Sharper Mind Revised & Updated 2nd Edition
Small, Gary
Vorgan, Gigi
Paperback
Large Print Color By Numbers Butterflies & Gardens Coloring Book For Adults: Easy and Simple Large Pictures Adult Color By Numbers Coloring Book with
Zenmaster Coloring Books
Paperback
Move the Body, Heal the Mind: Overcome Anxiety, Depression, and Dementia and Improve Focus, Creativity, and Sleep
Heisz, Jennifer
Hardcover
Taming the Chaos of Dementia: A Caregiver's Guide to Interventions That Make a Difference
Huelat, Barbara J.
Phd
Paperback
Making Peace with Dementia: An Occupational Therapist's Formula for Optimizing Care and Restoring Calm
Olson, Ann
Paperback
Day to Day Caregiving for Dementia: A Mayo Clinic Guide for Offering Care and Support
Lunde, Angela M.
Paperback
Reminiscing 1970s America: Memory Lane Picture Book for Seniors with Dementia and Alzheimer's Patients. (Large Print Edition)
Melgren, Jacqueline
Paperback
The End of Alzheimer's Program: The First Protocol to Enhance Cognition and Reverse Decline at Any Age
Bredesen, Dale
Hardcover
The First Survivors of Alzheimer's: How Patients Recovered Life and Hope in Their Own Words
Bredesen, Dale
Paperback
The Age of Scientific Wellness: Why the Future of Medicine Is Personalized, Predictive, Data-Rich, and in Your Hands
Hood, Leroy
Price, Nathan
Hardcover
A Loving Approach to Dementia Care: Making Meaningful Connections While Caregiving
Wayman, Laura
Paperback
Navigating Memory Loss: Essential Questions and Answers on Alzheimer's and Dementia
Madison, Catherine
Paperback
Before Dementia: 20 Questions You Need to Ask about Preventing, Preparing, Coping
Gregorevic, Kate
Paperback
Unlocking the Doors of Dementia: Practical Help for Families and Their Loved Ones
Mahakian, Lauren
Paperback
Cuando Llega El Alzheimer: Hacia La Comprensión Y Aceptación de Las Demencias En Las Familias / When Alzheimer's Arrives
Pintos, Natalí
Paperback
Aging or Alzheimer's?: A Doctor's Personal Guide to Memory Loss, Cognitive Decline, and Dementia
Frumkin, Kenneth
Hardcover
Chicken Soup for the Soul: Living with Alzheimer's & Other Dementias: 101 Stories of Caregiving, Coping, and Compassion
Newmark, Amy
Geiger, Angela Timashenka
Paperback
Labs and Labyrinths: The Life and Work of Alzheimer's Research Pioneer Dr. Peter Davies
New Vision Research
Hardcover
Grain Brain: The Surprising Truth about Wheat, Carbs, and Sugar--Your Brain's Silent Killers
Perlmutter, David
Hardcover
The Illusion of Justice: An Insider Account of the Greed, Power, and Broken Promises of the NFL Concussion Settlement
Mitnick, Craig
Paperback
End Of Alzheimer Cookbook: Recipes to help in Reversing Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease.
Miller, Dave
Paperback
100 Simple Things You Can Do to Prevent Alzheimer's and Age-Related Memory Loss
Carper, Jean
Paperback
Dignity for Deeply Forgetful People: How Caregivers Can Meet the Challenges of Alzheimer's Disease
Post, Stephen G.
Paperback
Laughing Through the Tears: I Give You Permission to Laugh, Walking Through Alzheimer's with Your Loved One
Palladino, Laurel
Paperback
The Brain Health Cookbook: Mind Diet Recipes to Prevent Disease and Enhance Cognitive Power
Andrews, Julie, MS Rdn CD
Paperback
Poetry for the Restless Heart: A Dovetale Press Selection: Poetry for the Restless Heart
Claridge, Gillian
Paperback
Qué puedes recordar cuando estás olvidando/What to Remember When You Are Forgetting
Tan, Zaldy
Paperback
Brain Training for Dementia: Exercises for Preventing Cognitive Decline & Dementia
Sharp, Bridgette
O'Neill, Bridgette
Paperback
The Picture Book of Flowers: A Gift Book for Alzheimer's Patients and Seniors with Dementia
Books, Sunny Street
Paperback
The Picture Book of Trains: A Gift Book for Alzheimer's Patients and Seniors with Dementia
Books, Sunny Street
Paperback
The Mindful Caregiver, 2nd Edition: Finding Ease in the Caregiving Journey
Kriseman, Nancy L.
Hardcover
The Ageless Brain: How to Sharpen and Protect Your Mind for a Lifetime (Large Print Edition)
Bredesen
Hardcover
Mind Diet Cookbook for Seniors Over 60: 1000 Days Of Flavorful Recipes for a Sharp and Vibrant Mind
Tromp, Mara
Paperback
Fun and Relaxing Activities for Adults: Puzzles for People with Dementia [Large-Print] (Large Print Edition)
Books, Mighty Oak
Paperback
Number Search Puzzle Book: 400 Challenging Large Print Number Searches For Adults (Large Print Edition)
Integer Puzzles
Paperback
Down Syndrome and Dementia: A Guide for Family Members, Social and Health Care Staff and Students
Dawson, Bob
Paperback
The Complete Dementia Caregiver's Guide: Expert Strategies for Dementia and Alzheimer's Care
Smith, Macie P.
Paperback
The Aging Brain: Proven Steps to Prevent Dementia and Sharpen Your Mind
Jennings, Timothy R., MD
Paperback
Before I Forget: Love, Hope, Help, and Acceptance in Our Fight Against Alzheimer's
Shnayerson, Michael
Smith, B.
Gasby, Dan
Paperback
Through the Years: More Activities for Memory-Challenged Adults and Their Caregivers
Green, Cynthia R.
Beloff, Joan
Hardcover
Caregiving: An Over-the-Shoulder View of Caring for a Loved One Through the Seven Stages of Alzheimer's
Bourgeois, Paul J.
Paperback
ALZ Fired Up!: On the Unstoppable Nature of Early-Onset Alzheimer's Disease and One Man's Quest to Outpace It
Terwilliger, Sean
Hardcover
The Ultimate Memory Activity Book: 130 Puzzles and Recreational Ideas for People Living with Memory Loss
Olson, Alexis, PhD
Fraas, Phil
Paperback
Love in the Time of Forgetting: A Memoir of Love and Life After Loss with Lewy Body Dementia
Johnson, Juanita
Paperback
Taming the Chaos of Dementia: A Caregiver's Guide to Interventions That Make a Difference
Huelat, Barbara J.
Pochron, Sharon T.
Hardcover
Living in the Moment: A Guide to Overcoming Challenges and Finding Moments of Joy in Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias
Landsverk, Elizabeth, MD
Paperback
The Alzheimer's Prevention Program: Keep Your Brain Healthy for the Rest of Your Life
Small, Gary
Paperback
Classic Cars Coloring Book for Seniors: Coloring Pages for Adults with Dementia Patients
Publisher, Linda
Paperback
The Caregiver: Helping You and Your Patient Through the Dementia Journey
Garasic, Thomas M.
Paperback
List it! Activity book for Dementia Patients: Anti Memory loss and improved recall workbook for Dementia sufferers
Studio, Dementia Activity
Paperback
Alzheimer's & Dementia for Dummies
American Geriatrics Society (Ags)
Health in Aging Foundation
Paperback
Puzzles for Alzheimer's Patients: Maintain Reading, Writing, Comprehension & Fine Motor Skills to Live a More Fulfilling Life
Toth M. a. M. Phil, Kalman
Paperback
The Picture Book of Birds: A Gift Book for Alzheimer's Patients and Seniors with Dementia
Books, Sunny Street
Paperback