Overview

A True Medical Mystery Memoir That Dares to Ask: What if the mind wasn't lost-just waiting to be heard? Diagnosed with terminal dementia. Bedbound. Hallucinating. Given just weeks to live. Everyone believed Ginger Smith's story was over. They were wrong. At 83, after years of trauma, polypharmacy, and steady cognitive decline, Ginger began to reawaken-piece by piece. Now 88 and living independently, she's sharing her astonishing journey from near-death to clarity in a memoir that challenges everything we think we know about dementia, diagnosis, and decline. The mainstream medical view still holds that there is no cure for dementia-and for many people, that remains tragically true. But that's exactly why Ginger's story felt so urgent to share. It isn't presented as a miracle or a guaranteed path. It's one woman's extraordinary lived experience: reversing her symptoms and reclaiming her independence after being on death's door. Dementia Denied is more than a memoir. It's a challenge. A blueprint. A quiet rebellion against the idea that decline is our only option. Written by Ginger Smith-a retired speech-language pathologist who worked alongside neurology professionals at Stanford University Medical Hospital and trained physicians at both Stanford & UCSF-this book blends her personal experience with a researcher's lens. What began as a quiet, personal reckoning evolved into years of inquiry into the hidden factors that may mimic or amplify dementia symptoms: trauma, nervous system dysregulation, drug interactions, inflammation, and more. Inside this bold and beautifully human memoir, you'll discover: A rare, firsthand account of what cognitive loss-and return-actually feels like Insights into how unresolved trauma, polypharmacy, and the body's survival mechanisms may play a larger role in cognitive decline than we've realized Unfiltered, true stories from Ginger's life: grief, resilience, celebrity run-ins (and roommates), and finding clarity again A sobering look at the flaws in our elder care system-and how to advocate through them Fascinating clues that may help explain her dramatic turnaround A call to reimagine what is possible for those diagnosed with cognitive decline PLUS: TWO BONUS SECTIONS ✔️ Ginger's Tips for Caregivers ✔️ Navigating the Healthcare Maze Written with fierce honesty, dry humor, and zero sugarcoating, Dementia Denied is for caregivers, clinicians, trauma survivors, and anyone who's ever been told, ""There's nothing more we can do."" Ginger's story doesn't dismiss the heartbreak others face-it honors it. If nothing else, her journey offers a glimmer of possibility-not false hope, but a reason to keep asking questions. Because sometimes, the miracle isn't just surviving-it's returning with clarity, purpose... and a voice that refuses to be silenced.

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Reviews

""Dementia Denied is the story of a fascinating and incredibly unique life journey. Ms. Smith explores the different forms of brain change she has experienced and the discovery of what's possible. This book truly speaks to the resiliency of the human body and spirit."" -Teepa Snow, Founder of Positive Approach to Care(R) and one of the world's leading dementia experts 5.0 out of 5 stars A Daughter's PerspectiveReviewed in the United States on June 1, 2025 ""Reading Dementia Denied was both heartbreaking and hopeful for me. My mother battled dementia for years, and like many families, we followed the standard advice-accept the diagnosis, manage the decline, and prepare for the inevitable. But this book challenged everything I thought I knew. Ginger Smith's journey reminded me of the small moments of clarity my mother had, the times when she seemed to break through the fog of confusion, only for it to fade again. I always wondered-could something have been done differently? Smith's story suggests that, in some cases, dementia-like symptoms may not be irreversible. She explores how trauma, medications, and nervous system dysregulation might mimic cognitive decline, offering hope that recovery isn't always out of reach. This book doesn't promise miracles, but it does offer a fresh perspective-one I wish I had encountered sooner. For anyone who has watched a loved one struggle with dementia, Dementia Denied is an emotional yet empowering read. It asks the difficult questions and challenges assumptions, reminding us that sometimes, the answers we need may not be the ones we expect."" 5.0 out of 5 stars Don't Miss This OneReviewed in the United States on June 4, 2025 ""Wonderful, touching, and stays with you for a long time after. Brave new writer on the scene! Honest and raw. Loved it!"" 5.0 out of 5 stars A different perspectiveReviewed in the United States on June 4, 2025 ""I've been reading a lot of Alzheimer's books for caregivers, this was very informative coming from an actual person diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Thank you for writing this book.""

Author Information

My life has been shaped by service, resilience, and a deep commitment to learning-especially when it comes to understanding dementia. As a U.S. Air Force veteran, I served in the JAG Corps as a paralegal before continuing my career as a legal assistant and 911 operator-roles that demanded quick thinking, empathy, and resolve under pressure.In 2020, I began experiencing cognitive symptoms that raised difficult questions. Having watched my grandmother's long decline from dementia, I recognized familiar patterns-both in my family and in myself. That moment launched a mission. I dove headfirst into dementia research, determined not just to understand what was happening to me, but to offer guidance and encouragement to others who might be navigating the same storm.But my journey into publishing began even earlier, back in 2018. At the time, I was helping my longtime client, John Unland, with what started as a simple writing project-and ended up becoming his legacy. John wanted to share his story about bringing Gore-Tex(R) to the world stage before its founder, Bob Gore, passed away. I edited and published that book, and from there, I continued to work on other manuscripts for John and additional clients. That experience lit a spark. I realized I didn't just want to help others publish their stories-I had a few of my own to tell.Now semi-retired, I live with my husband Jeff, a retired U.S. Navy Chief, in the peaceful countryside near Virginia's Chesapeake Bay. We share our home with Willow, our beloved Morkie (also known as our ""fifth daughter""), and visit our four grown daughters whenever life and health allow.Much of my time now is spent researching dementia and creating practical, heartfelt tools to support family caregivers. I strive to write books that blend lived experience with realistic solutions-offering humor where it helps and honesty where it's needed. Whether I'm writing caregiver guides, nostalgic short stories, or interactive journals, I hope to bring comfort, clarity, and confidence to those facing one of life's most challenging journeys.I am the author of: ���� Dementia Denied: One Woman's True Story of Surviving a Terminal Diagnosis & Reclaiming Her Life���� Dealing with Dementia for Caregivers: Real-World Advice to Prevent & Relieve Crisis Situations, Manage Long Care Hours, Alleviate the Burden You Feel & Cope with Daily Frustrations���� Tales from Memory Lane: Large Print Short Stories for Seniors with Dementia & Fans of Easy Reads���� The Memory Keeper: A Guided Journal for Recording & Preserving the Life Story of Your Loved One with Dementia

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