Main description:

If you have been affected by dementia, this book is for you. You may have been recently diagnosed, you may know someone who is experiencing symptoms, or you may be caring for someone with the condition. Dementia can be challenging and confusing, affecting carers, family and friends as well as the person diagnosed. This book answers 276 questions from all these people about the realities of dementia, and will provide you with the knowledge to help you to understand the condition and take control. It outlines the different care options that are available and suggests a variety of strategies for coping. It tells you where to go for help and guidance on legal, financial and other matters and gives advice on how to prepare for the future and make difficult decisions.

Contents:

Foreword by Tony Robinson x Acknowledgements xi Introduction xii 1 What is dementia? 1 Defining dementia 1 Who will get dementia? 5 Causes of dementia 5 Types of dementia 7 2 What is Alzheimer's disease? 18 Defining Alzheimer's disease 18 Who will get Alzheimer's disease? 21 Causes of Alzheimer's disease 23 Symptoms and signs 27 Outlook 32 3 Getting a diagnosis 33 The need for diagnosis 34 Seeking a diagnosis 37 The process of diagnosis 40 Memory tests 44 Blood tests 46 Genetic tests 48 Brain scans 49 Talking about the diagnosis 52 4 Practical care day to day 55 General questions 56 Dressing 58 Personal hygiene 60 Food and drink 65 Keeping healthy 71 Taking pills 72 Sleeping 74 5 Communication and activities 76 Improving communication 77 Memory aids 79 Activities 81 Holidays 84 6 Personal safety 86 Living alone 87 Dangers at home 88 Wandering 91 Driving 93 7 Behaviour that may cause difficulties 96 Annoying behaviour 96 Losing things 98 Non-recognition 99 Hallucinations 100 Restlessness and agitation 101 Anger and aggression 103 Sexual behaviour 106 Other people's attitudes 107 8 Carers' emotions 109 Emotional support 110 Loss and despair 112 Anger and bitterness 113 Sexual feelings 116 Guilt 117 9 Getting help 119 Sources of help and information 120 Spiritual needs 121 Community care 122 Services for people at home 127 Day care 130 Respite care 132 CONTENTS | vii Alzheimer's Aayf:2008 20/12/07 11:50 Page vii 10 Residential and nursing homes 134 Is a home necessary? 135 Information sources 137 Types of homes 138 Choosing a home 140 Making the move 143 Privacy or company? 145 Possible ill-treatment 146 Visiting 147 11 Legal and financial advice 148 Getting advice 149 Legal safeguards 150 Financial capacity 154 State benefits 157 Other financial help 162 Paying for care home fees 163 12 Treatment 169 Treatment possibilities 169 Dealing with doctors 173 Seeing a specialist 175 Drug treatments 176 Treating symptoms 183 Surgery 190 viii | ALZHEIMER'S AND OTHER DEMENTIAS Alzheimer's Aayf:2008 20/12/07 11:50 Page viii Psychological treatments 191 Complementary medicine 193 13 Research 195 Research overview 196 Helping with research 199 Drug trials 201 Other areas of research 203 Glossary 205 Appendix 1: Useful addresses 214 Appendix 2: Some other reading 222 Alzheimer's disease and dementia 222 Living with dementia 222 Caring 222 Research 223 Biography, autobiography and novels 223 Younger people with dementia 224 For children 224 Index 225 CONTENTS | ix Alzheimer's Aayf:2008 20/12/07 11:50 Page ix x | This is a book for people with dementia, their families, carers and friends. We know that there are now 24 million people world-wide with Alzheimer's disease or one of the other dementias. Every one of them has a personal story to tell and faces similar difficulties and experiences. Each of them needs information and help throughout the course of the illness. I've experienced dementia in my family and I know first-hand the benefit of sharing emotions and ideas with others and the value of straightforward information and advice. That's where this book is so helpful. Based on real questions asked by people with dementia and their carers, it distils the wisdom and the experience of many people who have lived through the difficulties that dementia brings. It is packed with practical tips and honest, common-sense answers. The way the book is arranged means you can dip into it as and when you want and quickly find the answer to the problem you have at that time. The authors of this book have many years of experience of looking after people with dementia and helping their families and carers. They understand the difficulties you may face and but also how you can find solutions to your problems. Since its first publication this book has become an essential guide for all those involved in caring for people with dementia and the people advising them. I recommend it heartily! | Foreword by Tony