Books about the dementia experience

At Scottish Book Trust, we know that everyone’s experience of dementia is different, which is why our carer support programme Reading is Caring is highly personalised. While our recommendations for the books you can share together will change depending on both your needs and the needs, life story and preferences of the person you're caring for, our Reading is Caring team loves the books below for how they show the many different sides to living with or caring for someone living with dementia.

For support and personalised recommendations based on life stories, interests and specific needs, contact [email protected](this link will open in a new window) or register for a Reading is Caring workshop.

Dasha Kiper Travellers to Unimaginable Lands

Blending lived experience and research, this non-fiction title is an insight into the psychology of caregiving and the cognitive journeys care partners often find themselves on. An enlightening and affirming collection of the places caregivers find themselves and the experiences we think no one else would understand.

Kate Mosse An Extra Pair of Hands

Kate Mosse’s memoir tells her personal story of caring for loved ones, touching on the small everyday acts of care and the importance of being there, even just as an extra pair of hands.

Jan Carson A Little Unsteadily Into Light

An anthology of fourteen fictional short stories drawn from each writer’s experience of dementia. Each story puts care into showing the characters’ values, the story they have to tell and the complicated sides of human relationships. These are collected together with humour, understanding and honesty.

Wendy Mitchell What I Wish People Knew About Dementia

Using her own experience and the experiences of others living with dementia, this is a comprehensive guide to the practical needs of people living with dementia and the way that the changes to the brain impact the day to day.

Emma Healey Elizabeth is Missing

Maud, who is living with dementia, worries about her friend Elizabeth while trying to resolve a mystery from her own childhood. A touching insight into how our emotional memories stay with us even when communication is difficult and our relationships have changed.

Nadine Aisha Jassat The Stories Grandma Forgot (and How I Found Them)

Aimed at younger readers, this chapter book is told in beautiful verse with engaging, energetic illustrations. As her grandmother’s dementia progresses, so does twelve year old Nyla’s understanding of herself, her family and her Grandma’s experiences. This story of mystery and discovery can provoke discussion and affirm younger readers that their relationships are still important and meaningful, even as things change.