Alzheimer's Association® Collaborates on New Chicken Soup for the Soul® Book for Those Living with Alzheimer's and Other Dementias

Celebrity Contributors include Joey McIntyre, Sarah Rafferty, Bern Nadette Stanis and Yvette Gonzalez-Nacer

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Apr 22, 2014, 06:01 ET

CHICAGO, April 22, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Alzheimer's Association^® has collaborated with Chicken Soup for the Soul^® on a new book of personal stories and experiences called Chicken Soup for the Soul: Living with Alzheimer's & Other Dementias, available for purchase beginning today, April 22, in print and eBook format. The book, comprised of essays, stories and poems from people living with Alzheimer's or another dementia, caregivers and affected friends and family members, will help raise awareness of the Alzheimer's epidemic and comfort those impacted by the disease. Alzheimer's Association celebrity Champion contributors include Joey McIntyre (New Kids on the Block), Sarah Rafferty (Suits), Bern Nadette Stanis (Good Times) and Yvette Gonzalez-Nacer (The Fresh Beat Band). All royalties from the book will go to the Alzheimer's Association.

For more than 20 years, Chicken Soup for the Soul has published inspirational stories collected from ordinary people who have had extraordinary experiences. The Alzheimer's Association and Chicken Soup for the Soul are releasing this important collection to support the more than five million Americans living with Alzheimer's and their 15.5 million caregivers.

Contributors from across the nation shared their personal experiences, practical advice, encouragement, insight and support to readers and affected families through the 101 stories of caregiving, coping and compassion.

It was painful to stand beside him and watch as my husband of more than twenty years spoke to each of his six social studies classes that day. I could see the chins start to quiver and the tears begin to fall. There was a stunned silence. During that first class, after he told the students, a young lady came up and asked him so meekly, "I know you are my teacher, but for today is it okay if I give you a hug?" And thus began the long line of embraces from students. Some clung to their favorite teacher and sobbed—some of the toughest guys gave some of the most emotional hugs that day.....And so began our journey into the uncharted waters of living with Alzheimer's at age forty-six. The day my sweet husband stood so bravely before his students to explain the onslaught of Alzheimer's will always be a lasting memory to me of his strength, character, and resolve to do what was best for his students and family. (The Journey Begins, by Sandy Morris)

Unique stories and perspectives from people currently living with the disease are featured in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Living with Alzheimer's & Other Dementias, including Cynthia Guzman, a member of the Alzheimer's Association national Early-Stage Advisory Group.

To put an end to this fatal disease, we need to advocate for more research and clinical study participants. As a participant myself, I know I may not benefit from the studies, but someone else will—and thinking about that makes me smile.

As a legacy to my family, I want to be a part of a movement that educates others and helps advocate for people with Alzheimer's and their families. As this disease progresses, I won't remember anyone, but I want to live my life so that people will remember me. (Remember Me, by Cynthia A. Guzman)

"Chicken Soup for the Soul: Living with Alzheimer's & Other Dementias is an important collection of stories about the realities of Alzheimer's from contributors with the strength to speak up about their experiences with this fatal disease," said Angela Geiger, chief strategy officer, Alzheimer's Association. "Alzheimer's is a complex and progressive disease that requires a support network for both the person with the disease and the caregiver. The collaborative efforts between the Alzheimer's Association and Chicken Soup for the Soul will continue the conversation about Alzheimer's and offer insight and resources to anyone impacted by Alzheimer's."

Alzheimer's disease is the nation's sixth leading cause of death and the only cause of death among the top 10 in the U.S. without a way to prevent, cure or even slow its progression. For more information about Alzheimer's disease, visit the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org^®or call 800.272.3900. Chicken Soup for the Soul: Living with Alzheimer's & Other Dementias is available for purchase at shop.alz.org and wherever books are sold.

About Chicken Soup for the Soul
Chicken Soup for the Soul publishes the famous Chicken Soup for the Soul book series. In 2007, USA Today named Chicken Soup for the Soul one of the five most memorable books in the last quarter-century. With over 100 million books sold to date in the U.S. and Canada alone, more than 250 titles, and translations into more than 40 languages, "chicken soup for the soul" is one of the world's best-known phrases. Today, 20 years after it first began sharing happiness, inspiration and wellness through its books, Chicken Soup for the Soul continues to delight its readers with new titles, but has also evolved beyond the bookstore. Its high quality products include wholesome and balanced pet food that recognizes the unique relationship between pets and people and a new line of delicious nutritious comfort food inspired by the connection between food and feelings. Chicken Soup for the Soul is "always there for you™." For more information visit www.chickensoup.com.

About the Alzheimer's Association^®The Alzheimer's Association is the world's leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's. Visit www.alz.org^® or call 800.272.3900.

SOURCE Alzheimer's Association