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SAN ANTONIO
MEDICINE

Dementia is increasing in prevalence as our population ages.
By default, many dementia patients are cared for by their
spouses and family members who may be your patients. The
burdens on caregivers are enormous and most are unprepared
to succeed in this role. Caregivers, though well-meaning, are
typically frustrated and not optimally effective in dealing with
loved ones with dementia. As physicians, we are often at a loss
to help our patients navigate the challenges of becoming and
sustaining the role of caregiver.
Mr. Sherman Macdaniel, the grandson of 1917 BCMS pres-
ident, Alfred McDaniel, MD, wrote this brief guide to begin to
address the challenges of being an Alzheimer’s caregiver. He
states that the purpose of this book is to help Alzheimer’s care-
givers reduce stress and anxiety. He does this by relating his per-
Welcome Stranger: sonal challenges and experiences of taking care of his late first
wife and provides very practical yet compassionate and spiritual
Alzheimer’s suggestions for caregivers in similar circumstances.
In addition to practical tips on caring for the dementia pa-
tient, he also provides insights on managing guilt, frustration
Caregivers Guide and sadness often experienced by caregivers. In addition to his
own experiences, he also draws on the wisdom and experiences

of knowledgeable friends to create this brief guide.
By Mr. Sherman P. Macdaniel I am sad to say that Mr. Macdaniel recently passed away this
A Brief Review by Adam V. Ratner, MD, FACR past October, near the end of his ninth decade of life. He spent
much of his final decade researching, writing, distributing and

“A Powerful Book to Help Your Patients Care updating Welcome Stranger, as well as speaking to other care-
givers of dementia patients.
for Their Loved Ones Suffering from Dementia”
You and your patients can also download and read a free copy

of the book in English or Spanish by going to The Patient In-
stitute website (http://www.patientinstitute.org/alzheimers-
caregivers-guide/)

Physical copies of Welcome Stranger may be obtained by
contacting:
The Patient Institute
PO Box 781971
San Antonio, TX 78278-1971

Adam V. Ratner, MD, FACR is Professor of Radiol-
ogy, Health Policy & Medical Humanities and Assis-
tant Dean of Strategic Initiatives at UIWSOM, and
served as the 2019 President of BCMS. He is also an active mem-
ber of the BCMS Publications Committee.

30 SAN ANTONIO MEDICINE • January 2023