About the Book
This book is about the author’s mother who died from the disease of Alzheimer’s. “The Forgetful Heart” is the name the writer gave her mother never wanting to lose sight of WHO she was before Alzheimer’s took over her mind and body. The book offers helpful insights on how to reduce ANXIETY, a major component of this disease. It also addresses cognitive decline, emotional changes, physical limits, resistive behaviors, and so much more.
Through the stories of, “She Doesn’t Love Me Anymore,” “Who Made You the Shower Police?,” “Hurt People...Hurt People,” and “Saying Goodbye for The Last Time,” it is the author’s hope you will have a better understanding of how the Alzheimer’s mind thinks. It’s a book that will tug at your heart, make you laugh, and teach you new ways to care for a loved one that has a Forgetful Heart.
About the Author
From a young age, Jeanne knew that she wanted to be a Nurse. A younger brother’s water accident set this desire in motion. By the age of twenty, she graduated with an Associate Degree in Nursing and became a RN the same year. Her career started in Geriatrics, caring for Seniors. She then furthered her medical knowledge making the decision to work in the Emergency Room. During this time Jeanne was then asked to consider Psychiatric Nursing at Traverse City Regional Psychiatric Hospital which she accepted until its closure in 1989. She went on to practice Psychiatric Nursing for the majority of her career. Her certifications include CPR Instructor, Addiction Counselor, and Dementia Practitioner.
Testimonials
"Jeanne Stricker’s Alzheimer’s & The Forgetful Heart is a gift to every family navigating the heartbreak of a dementia diagnosis and should be required reading for every professional working in senior care. Filled with practical guidance and deep humanity, this book eases the burden on both patient and caregiver while helping preserve the emotional bond at the center of their relationship. Stricker offers insights that not only reduce suffering, but also protect the dignity, connection, and love that remain. This is a beautiful and essential book and I recommend it wholeheartedly."
- Marcia McEvoy, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist
"Alzheimer’s & The Forgetful Heart has been such an incredible resource for me while navigating my mom’s Alzheimer’s journey. What really makes this book stand out is how Jeanne Stricker shares her story through so many different lenses. Hearing her perspective as an experienced nurse, a daughter, and simply a woman wrestling with her own honest feelings made the whole experience feel so much more relatable and a lot less lonely.
It’s rare to find a book that feels both professionally grounded and deeply personal, but it managed to give me a real sense of confidence and direction during those moments when everything feels overwhelming. If you’re looking for a bit of comfort and some actual guidance on the stages of this disease, I can’t recommend this book enough—it truly felt like a hand to hold while navigating the complex journey as a family with a loved one diagnosed with Alzheimer’s."
- Julie E.
"Just finished the book. Thoroughly enjoyed it, so well written, so easy to understand, so many good suggestions. I went to visit my friend I hadn’t seen in a while. She’s in memory care Stage 7. I started to sing “when Irish eyes are smiling” and she gave me a great big smile. I wouldn’t have known to do that without your book and it made me less fearful to visit her. I’ve already ordered a book for my sister. I can’t thank you enough for writing this."
- Kay Bumstead
"The story is about, The Forgetful Heart. But it's just as much a story about you girls, The Loving Hearts!"
- Daryl S.
For families, caregivers
and anyone facing Alzheimer’s.