A reference on preventing, treating, and coping with dementia, from “one of the most reliable, respected health resources that Americans have” (Publishers Weekly). This book from the world-renowned Mayo Clinic offers an update on what experts know about Alzheimer’s and related dementias, including the latest research into treatment and prevention, ways to live well with dementia, and recommendations for caregivers. While Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, many related types also affect adults worldwide, causing loss of memory, reason, judgment, and other cognitive functions. Although the diseases that cause dementia have long been considered unrelenting and incurable, recent advances offer hope. This book includes information about: • What to expect of typical aging and what are the earliest signs of abnormal aging • Memory loss and other forms of cognitive impairment that may lead to dementia • Characteristic features of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, including frontotemporal degeneration, Lewy body dementia, and vascular cognitive impairment • The latest research on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias • Caring for and supporting someone living with dementia Are there ways you can lower your risk? Can dementia be prevented? Can you live well with dementia? If so, how? You’ll find answers to these important questions and more in this book.
Nearly 44 million people have Alzheimer's or related dementia worldwide, according to the Alzheimer's Disease International organization. That number is expected to double every 20 years. Unlike other books on the market, Alzheimer's Disease: Understanding Biomarkers, Big Data, and Therapy covers recent advancements in cognitive, clinical, neural, and therapeutic aspects of Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.First, readers are introduced to cognitive and clinical studies, focusing on the different types of memory impairment, past and future thinking. This includes the prevalence of depression, its relationship to other symptoms, and the quality of life for those with Alzheimer's disease. In addition, the book discusses recent studies on memory dysfunction in advanced-stage Alzheimer's disease, in comparison to early-stage, including a chapter on the underlying factors in the transition from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer's diagnosis. Following this section, the book presents recent studies on the role of different cortical and subcortical structures in the development of various symptoms in Alzheimer's disease, as well as different neural biomarkers underlying the development and treatment of the disease. In the last section of the book, therapeutic aspects of Alzheimer's disease, focusing on behavioral and pharmacological treatments of sleep disorders, memory problems, and depression, are reviewed. The book aids readers in understanding the advances in research and care, making it a prime tool for all clinicians, psychologists, researchers, neurologists, and caregivers of dementia patients. - Reviews recent developments of cognitive and clinical studies - Covers factors underlying the transition from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer's disease - Discusses different neural biomarkers underlying the development and treatment of Alzheimer's disease - Provides a comparison of the effectiveness of various types of treatments
In this comprehensive yet accessible guide, Brian Draper, a leading expert on Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, describes the symptoms, treatment and management of the condition. Covering everything from assessment and diagnostic processes to drug and psychosocial treatments, community and residential care options, assistive technology, support for carers, ethical and legal considerations, end of life decisions and the latest research and treatment developments, the book provides a complete road map for those supporting someone with the condition, in either a professional or personal capacity. The book will demystify the condition and increase understanding about why it occurs, current treatments and how it may be managed. Filled with useful information and advice, it will be an invaluable resource for relatives and carers, and a useful reference on the desk of any professional working with individuals with dementia.
A definitive and compelling book on one of today's most prevalent illnesses. In 2020, an estimated 5.8 million Americans had Alzheimer’s, and more than half a million died because of the disease and its devastating complications. 16 million caregivers are responsible for paying as much as half of the $226 billion annual costs of their care. As more people live beyond their seventies and eighties, the number of patients will rise to an estimated 13.8 million by 2050. Part case studies, part meditation on the past, present and future of the disease, The Problem of Alzheimer's traces Alzheimer’s from its beginnings to its recognition as a crisis. While it is an unambiguous account of decades of missed opportunities and our health care systems’ failures to take action, it tells the story of the biomedical breakthroughs that may allow Alzheimer’s to finally be prevented and treated by medicine and also presents an argument for how we can live with dementia: the ways patients can reclaim their autonomy and redefine their sense of self, how families can support their loved ones, and the innovative reforms we can make as a society that would give caregivers and patients better quality of life. Rich in science, history, and characters, The Problem of Alzheimer's takes us inside laboratories, patients' homes, caregivers’ support groups, progressive care communities, and Jason Karlawish's own practice at the Penn Memory Center.
The reference is a broad-ranging review of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias from both basic and clinical neuroscience perspectives; it provides scientists and medical professionals with an extensive introduction and an up-to-date review of cutting-edge scientific advances. Brings the reader up-to-date with cutting-edge developments in this exciting and fast-paced field Summarizes the most recent developments in the fields of Alzheimer's disease and dementia Brings together articles from a prominent and international group of contributors Encompasses a unique range of topics, combining basic molecular perspectives and cognitive neurosciences
Soul-searing, life-testing situations have what some call “fall-out blessings.” The book is about understanding some of the deeper lessons we are exposed to through caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. We all want a cure. But in the meantime, while this illness is still with us, how can we create a quality of life for each person in each stage of the disease? How can we look deeper into situations that, at first glance, look hopeless and destructive in order to find opportunities for insight, inspiration, and great understanding of ourselves and those we love? How can we allow the full measure of the experience to unfold and be felt with as much of ourselves as we can bring to bear? This book will help people caring for those going through the difficult dementia journey find a way, through the tumultuous waves, to remain awake and open to the blessing of a journey that opens the heart, nurtures compassion, and ultimately enables each of us to be better human beings. It is also for those brave individuals living with memory loss illnesses, so that they be supported and allowed to live their experience fully in their own unique way, to express themselves, to love and be loved, and to be sheltered from harm—that with each stage of the progression, those around the person with dementia find ways to emphasize the loved one’s remaining strengths rather than spotlight their weaknesses. A person with dementia has a whole and well spirit and, in the broadest sense, their brain is a vehicle of self-expression; it does not define their essence. Finally, this book addresses head on the final stage of the disease, when the brain has exhausted all its compensatory ability and the individual is no longer able to take part in regular day-to-day life. At this advanced stage of the disease process, people with dementia are in a deep, internal state that caregivers generally cannot access and share. It can be a very disheartening time. This internal state separates the person with dementia from those around them; however, rather than thinking of it as a prison wall separating the person with dementia from the caregiver, it may be more helpful to think of the person having retreated into a cloistered existence for a while, affording them the time needed by the soul to attend to deeper aspect of the self on a spiritual level. This phase also allows those around the person to honor the vessel, or body, that has housed the loved in in this life and prepare to let them go. When ready the individual will know the time to leave, and if allowed, will let go. Coming from a rich professional background in caring, Megan Carnarius clearly outlines the different stages of dementia and highlights many practical aspects of dementia care, suggesting accessible tools for family and professionals alike. She also addresses the more subtle, spiritual dimensions of this illness with much compassion and understanding, offering new insights into areas that have not been explored in other books on the disease.
Although the public most often associates dementia with Alzheimer’s disease, the medical profession continues to advance distinctions of various types of “other” dementias. What If It’s Not Alzheimer’s? is the first and remains the only comprehensive guide dealing with frontotemporal degeneration (FTD), the most common form of dementia for people under 60 years of age. The contributors are either specialists in their fields or have exceptional hands-on experience with FTD sufferers. Beginning with a focus on the medical facts, the first part defines and explores FTD as an illness distinct from Alzheimer's disease. Also considered are clinical and medical care issues and practices, as well as such topics as finding a medical team, palliative approaches to managing care and rehabilitation interventions. The next section on managing care examines the daily care routine including exercise, socialization, adapting the home environment, and behavioral issues along with end-of-life concerns. In the following section on caregiver resources, the contributors identify professional and government assistance programs along with private and community resources and legal options. The final section focuses on the caregiver, in particular the need for respite, holistic health practices and the challenge of managing emotions. This new, completely revised edition continues to follow worldwide collaboration in research and provides the most current medical information available including understanding of the different classifications of FTD, and more clarity regarding the role of genetics. Additionally, essays written by people living with the disease provide moving, first-hand experiences. The wealth of information offered in these pages will help both healthcare professionals and caregivers of someone suffering from frontotemporal degeneration.
