In Search of My Father - (Outwitting Alzheimer's) by Helena Popovic (Paperback)

About the Book

After her mother dies, an estranged daughter discovers that her father has Alzheimer's - the very disease she has spent her medical career trying to cure. This timeless book shows we can improve our brain even after a diagnosis of dementia.

Book Synopsis

What happens when life throws together a busy, enthusiastic, doctor-daughter and her bereaved, disenchanted, dependent father? What happens when science meets stubbornness and a parent needs parenting?

Following her mother's death, Dr Helena Popovic puts her medical training and beliefs to the test when she becomes the carer for her elderly father who has encroaching dementia.

A passionate medical practitioner and an international public speaker on Boost Your Brain and Turn Stress into Success, Helena finds herself living out everything she preached.

This moving story is part personal diary, part scientific treatise and part practical guide, woven together with humorous anecdotes. Above all, it's an inspiring account of a daughter in search of her father: the man beyond the grief, despair, depression and dementia.

This timeless book deals with a complex issue many of us will need to face: how best to care for elderly parents or loved ones who can no longer care for themselves. What do those in our care most need from us?

Are there steps we can take to defy dementia and build a better brain? Are we able to sharpen our intellect, tap into brain potential we never knew we had, and prevent the cognitive decline most of us believe is inevitable with ageing?

The answer is an unequivocal YES!

Facts inform but stories transform. The facts in this book will change your thinking - the story in this book will change your life.

'Who would have thought that dementia could be such an adventure? That adventure, in fact, prevents dementia!' Dr Sarah Woodbury FRANZCOG

Review Quotes

What a wonderful book! I have loved reading it and it is so deep and engaging.

Kerry Howells PhD, Senior Lecturer, University of Tasmania

Wow Helena, you came into my life at the right time. I have been using In Search of My Father like a grenade among dormant minds. Your book resonates with my ideas and explains exactly what I want for my mother. Thank you for your beautifully expressed clarity.

Tony, Australia

I have just finished reading your very inspiring book. It was wonderful and I have just passed it on to a dear friend of mine whose mother is just showing signs of dementia. I was astounded by your diligence and your patience - unconditional love does just bring out our best characteristics. Just a brilliant story that no doubt will provide so much hope to so many.

Leslie Williams

I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed reading your book. Not only because of your detailed descriptions of your struggles with your father and his Alzheimer's but also because of your interesting anecdotes about travel, life in Serbia and how you juggle your time on a daily basis.

Ian Horton, Director, Alzheimers Australia NSW

Your book is brilliant, well written and a joy to read. Your stories and the way you related them with your father and a message for life was genius. KUDOS!!!

Tracy Repchuk, Internet Marketing, Social Media and Business Strategist

As soon as your book arrived in the mail my wife took charge of it and she has been devouring it ever since. Lots of laughter, lot's of "Aha's" and lots of her sharing bits and pieces, but still defending the reading rights like a hungry lioness. I look forward to finally getting my paws on it!

Mike E Kennedy, Business Coach

Just wanted to let you know that Helena's book has been inspirational to my wife and her family in Edinburgh. Her father has dementia, and is deteriorating quite quickly. The family now have a motivating guide that they can use to try and get him progressing again.

Stephen Wallace

I have just finished reading your book, very insightful...thoroughly enjoyed it. You motivated me to rejoin the gym which I did just on Saturday. The book is being passed around the office.

Leanne Wilkinson, Arts Planning & Policy Officer, Maroondah City Council