Updated Second Edition with added material: 43 inspirational Tips for Caregiving for Aging Parents.

Per the 2012 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures report published by the Alzheimer's Association, one in eight older Americans (over 65 years old) has Alzheimer's and nearly half of the people 85 and older are afflicted with this insidious disease.

So just as the Baby Boomer generation is getting ready to enjoy retirement, their increasingly frail parents require their care, many of whom may be exhibiting signs of Alzheimer's disease.

Caregiving takes its toll in many ways -- mentally, emotionally, and physically. It is important to ask for and accept help as you come to grips with this enormous task in front of you.

There are lots of books on caregiving, dementia and Alzheimer's disease, which review the same topics in different ways.

"Understanding Dementia and Caregiving for Your Aging Parents From A to Z" attempts to look at the same subject matter through a different lens. While having a base of knowledge about the subject is important, information alone, or beyond a certain point, isn't the only ingredient you will need in order to cope with a dementia diagnosis.

Consequently, this book is not an attempt to educate you on all the medical aspects of dementia, although they are touched on lightly. Instead, it speaks to you from the heart and a personal standpoint. It lets you know some of what to expect and the emotions and thoughts you might have in response to your loved one's deteriorating condition, and it provides suggestions to help you cope.

Written by a grief and relationship coach who understands the journey you are about to or have already started, for she is traveling on this road too.