Dementia Grief Therapy

This book expands on evidence-based, person-centered dementia care practice by offering the therapeutic essentials of a novel grief-based therapy including trauma informed yoga practices, and Dementia Grief Therapy (DGT). This therapy transcends the dementia divide: us (non-diagnosed) and them (diagnosed). Using physical activity as a shared common space. It begins from the perspective of the person diagnosed with dementia or behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD)  In this way, the reader comes to understand a therapeutic practice that acknowledges, validates and invites a whole mind-body grief integration process. At present, the concept of “dementia grief” objectifies the person diagnosed by focusing on grief for the person (as experienced and observed by others), rather than compassionately acknowledging the grief of the person.

Mindfully and methodically designed this book offers a therapy model to be delivered in community and residential settings, from general practitioners’ offices to home health care to memory care centers to day senior centers.  It utilizes a biopsychosocial perspective, with models of change spanning the micro- (individual therapy practices) to macro (government policy considerations).  Additionally, it is culturally oriented with globalized considerations of variations in dementia-grief experiences. An invaluable resource, this volume is relevant to students, academics, researchers, practitioners and policy makers.

“Paradigm shifting framework for healing perceived loss related to dementia health. The Dementia Grief Therapy was designed with compassion and has the potential to be applied cross-culturally.” Dr. Kexin Yu, Layton Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, Oregon, United States “Effective combination of data-driven analysis with real-world examples, provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities in addressing dementia health globally. The focus on community involvement and changing societal perspectives towards individuals living with dementia adds a human touch to the narrative, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding in creating an inclusive society.” Dr. Vivek B. Singh, TerraMD Integrative Medicine in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India

"This book provides a critical synthesis of neuropsychological, therapeutic, exercise and mindfulness research explaining what is likely fueling the often disruptive emotions and behaviors associated with dementia. It then takes the vital next step in outlining a therapeutic intervention focused on dementia health, as opposed to dementia deficits, with innovative strategies to open possibilities for symptomatic people to create meaning in their daily living. The final step is providing therapists research strategies with data points to ensure their work is providing benefits to the client."

Dr. Connie J. Beck, Retired Professor of Psychology, University of Washington, Tacoma “This book is amazing. It deepened my thoughts on the impact of culture and race on dementia. It’s an excellent and much needed addition.” Dr. Fariha Khalid, University of Lahore, Pakistan & Social Security Hospital of Lahore

Adrienne Ione, PsyD, combines dementia health, grief counseling, and functional fitness, as an integrative health practitioner, and is committed to joining people ages 65 and greater on their journey to explore, expand and extend their healthspan. She is a yogi who enjoys writing. She’s an active member of several professional organizations: Gerontological Society of America, International Society to Advance Alzheimer’s Research and Treatment, National Federation of Professional Trainers, Metro Parks Active Living and Community Wellness Council, and Dementia Friendly Cities. These are a few ways she plays. When not engaged in these ways, she enjoys paddleboarding, playing music, biking, drinking tea, painting, being in nature and quality time with her family.