Just So Stories

Inspirational Writers

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published (9 September 2023)
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8857650264
• $14.99

You could say this is a review with a difference, because it is a local book, but also a book of universal reference. Lisa Twigg, is a member of our Redcliffe Peninsula Surf Lifesaving Club, along with The Kid, and that is how I came to know her. Her book, while slim, is loaded not only with love for her father but so much for anyone who has had connection with this heart-breaking disease. Here are some facts:

Australian statistics

• Dementia is the second leading cause of death of all Australians¹ and provisional data is showing that dementia will likely soon be the leading cause of death.²
• Dementia is the leading cause of death for women.³
• In 2024, it is estimated there are more than 421,000 Australians living with all forms of dementia. Without a medical breakthrough, the number of people with dementia is expected to increase to more than 812,500 by 2054.⁴
• In 2024, it is estimated there are almost 29,000 people with younger onset dementia, expected to rise to more than 41,000 people by 2054. This can include people in their 30s, 40s and 50s.⁴
• In 2024, it is estimated that more than 1.6 million people in Australia are involved in the care of some [Dementia Australia]

There would be very few of us who have not had some personal experience of dementia, and it is not just confined to older Australians. I have known, in my own circle, three cases where the onset has started in the person’s 40s. But certainly it was with my grandmothers, and then my own dear mother, that my own story unfolded.

Because of its various manifestations/types, it can have widely varying symptoms, and presentations which can be confronting and, often, frustrating for family and carers. Lisa’s book is both a testament and memorial for her much-loved father and also, a guide for those who may have little or no understanding of either the disease, what to expect and how to manage it.

Her background as a social worker has been, in my estimation, invaluable in this aspect as she writes clearly and while it is with, clearly, a true expression of the love for her dad, it is also unflinching in the description of the difficulties and serious situations that can, and probably will, arise as the disease inevitably progresses, the emotional toll this can take on carers, and the possible strategies or helps that can be used. At the end of each chapter, a very neat summary itemises the ‘take-away’ points which will guide any carer or family member in the same position.

The relevance of Lisa’s book is evident in the way to which people have responded to it since it’s publication some months ago. Lisa has been speaking to groups and organisations, and is planning podcasts, a speaking tour and more group speaking engagements this year.

 While this little volume details the journey from diagnosis to dementia and, ultimately, death, Lisa tells me she is now considering another book to continue the discussion, given the intense interest the first has received. If you click on the link above for Lisa’s website you will find out more details including purchasing and contact details, should you wish to pursue more information.

I can promise you, that you would find this an interesting and informative read, albeit if you already have personal experience, it may be also an emotional trigger. Definitely, anyone who reads this, no matter how familiar they are with the subject, will gain something valuable. I highly recommend it to you all.