A Caregiver's Guide to Alzheimer's Disease

300 Tips for Making Life Easier

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A Caregiver's Guide to Alzheimer's Disease

300 Tips for Making Life Easier

Authors

Patricia R. Callone, MA, MRE

Connie Kudlacek, BS

Barbara C. Vasiloff, MA

Janaan D. Manternach,

Roger A. Brumback, MD

Description

"An estimated 5 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease. That number continues to grow - by 2050 the number of individuals with Alzheimer's could range from 11.3 million to 16 million. Alzheimer's disease is not a normal part of aging. It is a devastating disorder of the brain's nerve cells that impairs memory, thinking, and behavior. Written for patients, their families, and caregivers, A Caregiver's Guide to Alzheimer's Disease: 300 Tips for Making Life Easier will help readers understand what is physically happening to the brain so they can empower their own special skills and talents throughout the disease process. The book is divided into three sections that correspond to the progression of Alzheimer's and the unique challenges encountered at each stage.

Section A: The major part of the book divides the progression of the disease into Stages: the Pre-Clinical Stage Early-To-Mild Stage, which marks the onset of the disease Moderate Stage and the Severe Stage. Hundreds of practical tips geared to coping and compensating at each level of the disease provide support for the affected individual and the caregiver.

Section B: A bonus section of questions and answers addresses specific issues caregivers face and give them points to reflect on as they continue the process. Key topics covered include:

Legal and financial issues
Family Forums in the caregiving process
The role of medication at various stages of the disease
Helping children understand what is happening to a loved one
Handling the holidays and celebrations
Making the living environment more stimulating and enjoyable

Section C: Lists resources and suggests websites to find additional information about the disease itself as well as related valuable networks.

With an abundance of pointers and guidelines for affected individuals, their families, friends and caregivers, A Caregiver's Guide to Alzheimer's Disease: 300 Tips for Making Life Easier is essential for all readers who want to focus on the capabilities that remain instead of those that have been lost."

Contents

"Letter to the Reader
Acknowledgements
Introduction
SECTION A: Tips to Make Life Easier For Persons With Alzheimer's Disease, Their Caregivers, Family Members, and Friends
Pre-clinical stage: Wonder and Worry Overview of the Pre-Clinical Stage
The Brain of a Healthy Person
Explanation of the Seven Key Functions of the Brain
Is it Old Age or Dementia?
How the Disease Affects the Seven Key Functions
II. Early-To-Mild Stage: (3-5 years) - Something's Going Wrong
Moderate Stage: (3-5 years) - So Many Changes
Severe Stage: Making Every Moment Count
SECTION B: Helpful Information Concerning Alzheimer's Disease or Related Dementia That is Not Stage-Specific. SECTION C: Resources Available for Those Affected With Alzheimer's Disease, Their Caregivers, Family Members, and Friends
What local Resources are Available?
Webliography: Alzheimer's Information on the Internet"

Authors

Patricia R. Callone, MA, MRE, is the Vice President of Institutional Relations for Creighton University. For six years she served on the Board of Directors of the Alzheimer's Association Midlands Chapter. She has experience with Alzheimer's as both an educator and as a caregiver.

Connie Kudlacek, BS, is the Executive Director of the Alzheimer's Association Midlands Chapter.

Barbara C. Vasiloff, MA, is the co-founder and President of Discipline With Purpose, Inc.

Dr. Roger A. Brumback, MD, Dr. Roger A. Brumback is a Professor of Pathology and Psychiatry and the Chairman of the Department of Pathology at the Creighton University School of Medicine.

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