“This book completely changed the way I looked at dementia—from a disease that turns a loved one into a depressing burden to be managed until they pass…to the realization that while yes, this person is not who they once were, there IS still a way you can share meaningful moments with them, find joy in their company, even laugh with them, and get a glimpse again of their former self, so that you still feel as though you are a part of their world. Amazingly, it all begins with a simple question of “How old are you today?” That phrase is like a secret door that opens pathways in their mind which you feared were gone forever. What a gift—for both you and your loved one.”

“So glad to have found this now. What a treasure this book is. It brought such an understanding of dementia that I had no idea about. Thank you. I underlined so many nuggets and will be printing them out so that I can read them daily while dealing with cognitive impairment in my spouse. You have truly shed a new light on this overwhelming subject when you are in it. I can't recommend this enough. It's an easy and clear read. It leaves you with encouragement and a smile, rather than the dread that it is usually portrayed as.

“So good I had to read it twice! ‘Dementia is not something you fix, it’s something you face.’ This quote really resonates with me, and it applies to many aspects of life. My husband had a debilitating stroke 5 years ago and I’m still adjusting to life as a caregiver. I constantly struggle with guilt over the decisions I’ve made regarding caregiving. Even though “the game” is not applicable in my case, Glenna’s recounting of her experiences being thrust into the caregiver role were very helpful to me. I’ve shared “the game” with friends dealing with dementia in loved ones and they found it tremendously helpful. I’ve ordered several copies so I can give them to people I encounter who are dealing with this frightening and frustrating situation. Glenna is an excellent writer. It’s obvious she put her heart and soul into this book.”

“What a beautiful story of hope and healing! Having worked with people who have dementia, I was moved by Glenna’s discovery of a way into her mother’s world, and it is a beautiful gift that needs to be shared. She writes with honesty about the frustration of trying to bring her mother back to the present, and the grace she found in letting go of that struggle. Through her simple yet profound “game,” Glenna found peace in the journey, allowing her to travel with her mother and occasionally go on an unexpected adventure. This hopeful and even joyful book doesn’t deny the pain of loss inherent in this brutal disease, but it shows that even in the gradual fading of memory, there can be gifts of healing, connection, and most of all, love.

“Having facilitated bereavement groups at the Alzheimer’s Association in NYC, I was eager to read Glenna’s book. I know the long and devastating years caregivers endure, and how complex and difficult their grief can be. I wondered whether Glenna had discovered something new in the “game” she created to stay connected with her mother as she succumbed to Alzheimer’s and indeed, she had. Quite by accident, she found a way to continue communication by following the memories her mother’s brain was experiencing, even when she could no longer speak. The game still worked. I was glad to read that she shared it with other caregivers and staff at her mother’s facility, and I couldn’t put it down. It is an absolute must-read.”

“How Old Are You Today? Dementia, A Mother, A Daughter, and The Game That Transformed Their Lives is especially moving in the scenes where Glenna uses the “How Old Are You Today?” game to reconnect with her mother during moments of confusion and memory loss, turning painful interactions into moments of warmth and recognition. The memoir’s honest writing about caregiving, frustration, and small victories makes the relationship between mother and daughter feel deeply personal rather than sentimental, and the emotional impact builds naturally through these real- life exchanges

“Love ‘the game’ and the story. Both of my parents had dementia, and I read voraciously to understand how to deal with them. I would do things differently after reading Glenna’s book. It should be required reading for all caregivers, facilities, and those who work there and are visiting. The game is a wonderful communication tool that can be used in numerous situations where communication is impaired because of cognitive and/or social reasons. It is poignant, informative, and I laughed out loud repeatedly.”

“Great read for all, but especially for caregivers and those working with individuals with dementia. It provides hope and a way to connect to a loved one during difficult days. It should be required reading for anyone working on a memory care unit. It was touching and heartwarming to read how Glenna was able to relate to her mother with love during her final years.”

“What makes this book stand out is its balance. Glenna Hecht doesn’t shy away from the difficult realities of dementia, but she also refuses to let those moments define the entire experience. The simplicity of asking, “How old are you today?” becomes something profound, opening the door to moments of clarity, imagination, and even joy. One of the most powerful aspects of the book is how it reframes dementia not just as a loss, but as a different way of experiencing reality. That perspective doesn’t diminish the pain, but it does offer a sense of possibility that feels genuinely hopeful rather than forced.”