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Book group: Still Me by Sabina Brennan

Still Me, by Sabina Brennan, is a book that draws on many different perspectives in order to share helpful advice for carers.

Kristo, from our Dementia Support Forum, says, ‘The author has personal experience as a carer for a relative with dementia and in a professional capacity in her work in the field of neuroscience.

‘She uses case studies as a starting point to discuss possible outcomes and solutions. In some instances, she returns to the case studies to describe the impact of advice.’

Brenda, another of our reviewers, says, ‘I was initially slightly daunted at tackling a book written by a neuroscientist, but it will now become the go-to book on my dementia shelf.’

AS, a reader in West Sussex, agrees, ‘I think the book would be a really useful, informative resource to read in full soon after a person is diagnosed with dementia.

As time goes by and behaviours change, the book is an excellent resource for dipping into relevant sections for understanding, advice, ideas etc on what one can do or try.

‘Still Me is a very readable book,’ says David in Denbighshire.

‘Its subject matter is well structured and headed, making it easy to navigate to a topic of interest.’

David says he’s been on a ‘steep learning curve’ since his wife’s diagnosis. He often feels overwhelmed with information from many sources, and frustrated that he can’t find specific tips again later on.

‘The clear, well-structured nature of this particular book enables me to retrieve and reread advice,’ he says.

Clear and relatable

An anonymous reader in Kent says, ‘My husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s diease in August 2022 and since then I have read many books on the subject.

‘Still Me is written clearly and has lots of helpful information. Sometimes I found that the book supported actions that I had taken, and I also got ideas for different approaches.’

AS says that, while the medical facts in the book are helpful, its insights from carers and relatives means that it’s also relatable.

She says, ‘Reading the book, there were times when I questioned myself as to whether I could or should have done things differently for a more positive outcome.

‘At other times I was reassured I was “doing my best in the way that was or should be the best for my relative”.’

‘Every single page resonated with me,’ says Brenda. ‘It was so accessible, with short sections covering insightful information a care partner needs on their dementia journey.

‘There were many thought-provoking sections encouraging people to assess their caring situation, with useful guidance on how changing your mindset could help with changing circumstances.

‘There were many examples of other carers’ experiences offering room for reflection on your own behaviour and how this might impact on your relative living with dementia.’

Kristo says, ‘There is some excellent advice and really practical examples on self-care for carers.

‘As carers we so often are told to take care of ourselves, but it is hard to know how to ask for help.

‘This book gives lists of ideas, plus scripts on how to word your requests to friends and relatives. I will definitely be trying some of these.’

Further scenarios

AS says the book doesn’t address how to support a person who is in denial about their dementia, and who refuses to take advantage of opportunities to keep active and involved.

‘Almost all of the people’s stories seemed to relate to a full-time caregiver in a “living with” situation.’

She notes, ‘I appreciate it would be impossible to cover all scenarios.’

Kristo says she struggles with the book’s point that people with dementia remain the same person, beyond any issues there may be in communicating with them.

‘Personally I find this concept difficult. I have seen so much of my own relative with dementia disappear, and I find it very difficult to reconcile the author’s opinion with my own experience.’

However, she adds, ‘Some of the tips on different methods of communication are definitely ones that I will try.’

David says, ‘What makes this book so valuable is that I feel throughout my reading that I am connecting with Sabina the person.

She “gets it”. She understands the various obvious and subtle aspects of caring for a loved one with dementia.

‘She offers sound advice and practical strategies, easily accessed in a “pick and mix” basis, recognising that “one size doesn’t fit all” in caring and support strategies.’

Recommended read

As well as recommending Still Me to carers and relatives of people with dementia, AS says, ‘I’d also recommend it as reading material for health providers who are doing an adult social care training course, or qualifications including a degree.’

‘This book is one I will refer to regularly as my wife journeys through this disease,’ says David.

‘I highly recommend this book for carers of people with dementia.’

Brenda says, ‘The author’s words will live on in my head and I will return to this book many times in the years ahead.’

Still Me: A neuroscientist’s guide to caring for someone with dementia, by Sabina Brennan (Green Tree, 2025), 288 pages, £10.99, ISBN: 9781399421393. Also available as an ebook.