Share this

Latest News

‘Powerful guide to understanding dementia’ makes recommended reading list for libraries

‘Powerful guide to understanding dementia’ makes recommended reading list for libraries

16th May 2024

A new book co-authored by a leading member of the NHS Research Scotland Neuroprogressive and Dementia Network (NRS NDN) Network has been named on a recommended reading list for public libraries

NRS NDN Champion Tom Russ wrote FAQs on Dementia with colleague Michael Huddleston and it has now been selected for the expert-endorsed Reading Well for Dementia list, signposting helpful reading and digital resources for people living with the syndrome’s impact.

The booklist is “targeted at people living with dementia, carers, and family members including younger children” with Tom and Michael’s work one of just four selected in the ‘About Dementia’ section.

According to publishers Sheldon Press, FAQs on Dementia is a “short but powerful, helpful, practical guide to understanding the nature, and impact, of dementia”.

“In this book you’ll find the definitive, expert responses to all your FAQs On Dementia. No question is too simple, too embarrassing, too rude or too offbeat to be included, and each one has been asked by thousands of people just like you,” it states.

Tom attended the launch of the booklist – coinciding with Dementia Action Week (13-19 May) – in the House of Commons on Wednesday, and said: “When Michael and I set out to write FAQs On Dementia, we had a very simple goal in mind – that of helping people to better understand what it means and to have the opportunity of quickly finding answers to questions which they may not feel comfortable broaching in a clinical setting or even with loved ones.

“The book has been designed to be read at leisure, to dip in and out of when you most need support, or to shine a light on the issues and concerns that are making you uncomfortable or unhappy. We believe that it helps to bring a wide spectrum of questions out of the shadows, in turn allowing the answers to be better understood and accepted.

“We are delighted then that it has been received so well, has been considered a useful dementia resource, and is now a suggested title for public libraries across England and Wales to stock.”

Tom is an honorary Consultant Psychiatrist in NHS Lothian, and a Reader in Old Age Psychiatry at the University of Edinburgh.

Michael Huddleston is Alzheimer Scotland's Dementia Advisor for Mid and East Lothian. He provides advice and information for people living with dementia and their families and works closely with local health and social care partnerships to influence and shape dementia and carer-specific strategies and to accommodate the needs and views of people with lived experience.

Reading Well for Dementia is supported by Age UK, Alzheimer’s Society, Bangor University, British Psychological Society, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Carers UK, Dementia UK, Improvement Cymru, Innovations in Dementia, National Academy of Social Prescribing, National Association for Primary Care, Royal College of General Practitioners, Royal College of Nursing and Royal College of Psychiatrists. Co-production partner, Innovations in Dementia, ensured the views of people affected by dementia informed all aspects of developing the list.

Go back to News