Jennifer Bute - Dementia from the Inside: A doctors personal journey of hope

All too easily many assume that living with dementia is one long-term steady decline. Jennifers insightful book debunks that myth. Whether through her own experiences or those of others, she opens our eyes to everyday life with dementia. How, in so many ways, we can make life better or, sadly how, sometimes inadvertently, we can compound the difficulties that inevitably come when living each day with dementia. Her own gruelling journey to get a diagnosis, even as a GP, is a wake-up call to the NHS. The anchor of faith will resonate with many, as will the need for faith groups to embrace, not exile, those in their community with dementia. We should all read and learn from Jennifer and turn that learning into action.

Jeremy Hughes, Chief Executive, Alzheimers Society

Tragically, Dr Butes journey as a person with dementia began while she was at the height of her professional powers, with her effectiveness as a leading GP benefiting patients across the region. That she has been able to use her doctor's knowledge and her patient experience to help other sufferers is testament to both her inner fortitude and dedication to her medical calling. The observant physician shines through in Dr Butes book, while her practical advice reveals the resourcefulness of an inventor. In this formidable brain, Alzheimers disease has surely met one of its toughest ever adversaries!

Peter Garrard, Professor of Neurology, Neuroscience Research Centre, St George's, University of London

This unique monograph by Dr Jennifer Bute, a Christian medic diagnosed with dementia a decade ago, is a must read, especially by the leadership and membership of every church family, for whom it delivers exceptional insight and practical instruction and presents a wake-up call to radical Christian rethinking, inclusiveness and example. Jennifers story is presented in a way that is autobiographically detailed, open and deeply personal, freely professing the providence and love of God throughout, but also providing sustained professional insight, contemporary knowledge and analysis set to dispel the widespread ignorance, stereotyping, labelling, prejudice and reticence still surrounding this highly variable cause of neurological disability.

Professor Cameron G. Swift, PhD FRCP FRCPI, Kings College School of Medicine, Clinical Age Research Unit

Writing about personal experiences of adversity can be inspirational or practical. This short book has managed to be both. Some of Jennifers suggestions for responding to the distress arising from dementia seem at first glance as though they should be obvious. Yet they are often forgotten in the frustration of dealing with someones failing memory in a fast-moving world. Other observations shine a new light into the world of declining cognitive function. Jennifer has effectively used her skills as a doctor and teacher to provide insights that will be invaluable to anyone who comes into contact with someone with dementia.

Derek Waller, Consultant Physician, Deputy Medical Director and Clinical IT Lead, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust.

Dr Jennifer Butes beautifully written memoir is an absolute joy to read. A frank, tender and inspiring account of her life from childhood through her diagnosis with young-onset dementia, the book uses personal stories and simple examples to describe how to live well and productively with dementia. Dr Butes deep faith, training as a physician and unfailingly positive attitude together add a unique perspective to this wonderful resource. Highly recommended for care partners and people living with dementia alike!

Susan Macaulay, author, blogger, dementia care advocate http://myalzheimersstory.com

The words glorious opportunity and dementia dont sit easily together, yet somehow listening to Jennifers story they make perfect sense. Since her diagnosis with young-onset dementia a decade ago, she has given hope to thousands with the condition, and their carers, not merely by her insightful coping strategies but also by showing us a new perspective. For Jennifer, glorious opportunity has less to do with the power of positive thinking; rather, it is an expression of her faith in the power of Christ in all of lifes circumstances.

Chris Halls, Lecturer in Theology at Formission College and South West Ministry Training Course, member of the University of Exeters multifaith Chaplaincy team

I am very happy to endorse this book because it will offer hope to many carers and patients. It is precisely because the individual experience of Alzheimers can be so very different that there will be something in this book which will be helpful to all, but on different levels.

Vic Jacopson MBE, international evangelist and co-founder of Hope Now International Ministries

It has long been a privilege to count Jennifer Bute among my friends. She is a remarkable woman and this has never been more evident than the way in which she has faced her life with young-onset dementia. With self-deprecating humour and a touching vulnerability, Jennifer tells her story in a way that will inspire and help those who are dealing with dementia themselves or in the lives of others. Central to the story is Jennifers very practical Christian faith. She has placed her trust in God and she sees his hand at work in situations where many of us might be tempted to despair. There is an awful lot packed into a few pages.

Eddie Arthur, missionary, theologian and former director of Wycliffe Bible Translators UK

Jennifers passion and down-to-earth approach to dementia gives people with dementia and their families a positive view of life. Jennifer is an extraordinary person with an interesting life history, but the book is much more than her personal story. Since being diagnosed with young-onset dementia in 2009, shes become an expert in understanding and coping with dementia. This book contains guidance and principles, together with examples of how they work and real-life stories that will help individuals and groups to gain a positive view of life with dementia. Jennifers book provides the reader with an insiders story, with creative options that have the potential to open up new ways of working in partnership in the world of dementia.

Ian Kenneth Grant Sherriff, Academic Partnership Lead for Dementia, Peninsula School of Medicine and Dentistry

It has been an honour to have been asked to write a commendation for this wonderful book, especially as I have known Jennifer personally since 2012. In many ways we have travelled a similar journey me as a retired nurse, Jennifer as a retired medical doctor and both living positively with dementia. Referring to the film Close Encounters of the Third Kind resonated deeply with me: dementia is definitely a third kind of encounter with life! It is clear Jennifers faith has sustained her ability to grow and blossom into a fuller human being alongside dementia. This book speaks to your heart, to your soul and, most of all, is a tribute to Jennifer and to seeing hope in the face of dementia.

Kate Swaffer, Chair, CEO and Co-founder, Dementia Alliance International
www.dementiaallianceinternational.org

Dr Jennifer Butes Christian faith and her 25 years as a GP come together in her book, Dementia from the Inside, in which she tells her personal story and reveals (from the advantage of her medical viewpoint) what its like to live with this feared condition. Far from being overwhelmed by her diagnosis, she sees it as a glorious opportunity to inform others. We learn of the Japanese memory groups she leads to stretch the brain; of her belief that, with the right support and understanding, people with dementia can be enabled, not disabled. The book also delivers some universal truths not least that to be dementia-friendly is simply to be friendly, to be thoughtful and kind.