Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia: What Everyone Needs to Know (R)

Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia: What Everyone Needs to Know® is a primer on what touches so many lives, and yet so few of us understand. It conveys the genetic and biological aspects of Alzheimer's disease, its clinical history, and the subjective experience of those with Alzheimer's or dementia. It also clarifies the terms surrounding dementia and Alzheimer's, which are two distinct conditions, and demonstrates that people diagnosed with AD retain awareness, thinking ability, and sense of self.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 26 April 2018
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Alzheimer's disease is a rapidly growing concern, with an estimated one person developing the disease every 67 seconds. The term Alzheimer's disease or dementia often evokes images of severe mental decline and even madness. However, the vast majority of media coverage of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other types of dementia primarily focuses on the losses experienced by individuals diagnosed and the immense burden carried by care partners desperately seeking a magical drug cure.

To address this gap in public knowledge, Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia: What Everyone Needs to Know® offers an accessible and informative primer on a condition that affects so many lives, yet remains largely misunderstood. Written by Steven R. Sabat, a leading authority on Alzheimer's disease, this book delves into the genetic and biological aspects of the condition, its clinical history, and most importantly, the subjective experiences of individuals with Alzheimer's or dementia. By clarifying the terms surrounding dementia and Alzheimer's, which are two distinct conditions, Sabat corrects dangerous misconceptions that hinder our understanding of memory dysfunction.

One of the key messages conveyed by Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia is that individuals diagnosed with AD retain awareness, thinking ability, and a sense of self. Sabat emphasizes that these individuals are not lost to the world but rather are living with a condition that challenges their communication. Through years of exploring and observing the perspectives and experiences of people diagnosed, Sabat strives to inform and remind readers of the respect and empathy owed to those diagnosed and living with dementia.

The book also provides practical strategies for facilitating communication with individuals with Alzheimer's or dementia. Sabat explains that even when the person with AD has difficulty finding the words they want to use, there are techniques and tools that can help bridge the communication gap. This includes using visual aids, nonverbal cues, and simple language to convey messages effectively.

Furthermore, Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and intervention. Sabat explains that early detection allows for timely treatment and management of symptoms, which can improve quality of life and delay the progression of the disease. He also discusses the various treatment options available, including medication, behavioral therapies, and support services, and highlights the importance of working closely with healthcare professionals to develop a personalized treatment plan.

In conclusion, Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia: What Everyone Needs to Know® is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to better understand and support individuals with Alzheimer's or dementia. Written in a clear and accessible style, the book provides a comprehensive exploration of the condition, its causes, manifestations, and the strengths possessed by those diagnosed. By correcting misconceptions and promoting empathy and understanding, this book contributes to a more inclusive and supportive society for those affected by Alzheimer's disease.

Weight: 350g
Dimension: 210 x 139 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780190603113