So What is This About?

A Caregiver's Guide to Alzheimer's Disease:
300 Tips for Making Life Easier
(Demos Medical Publishing: New York, 2006)
Price: $16.95
In 2008 Book translated into Czech Language

An estimated 5 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease. That number continues to grow. By 2050 the number of individuals with Alzheimer's disease could range from 11.3 million to 16 million. Alzheimer's disease is not a normal part of aging. It is a disorder of the brain's nerve cells that impairs memory, thinking, and behavior.

Written for those with the disease, 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 in the brain. Caregivers will be helped with knowledge about how to empower the skills and talents of those with the disease throughout the disease process. The book is divided into three sections that correspond to the progression of Alzheimer's disease and the unique challenges and opportunities encountered at each stage.

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

Section B: A bonus section of questions and answers addresses specific issues caregivers face and gives them points to reflect on as they continue the caregiving 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.

REVIEWS:
" As the authors of this handy, elucidating and empathetic guide take readers through the progression of Alzheimer's disease, they pay special attention to the patient, having them understand what will be happening to them and making sure that they, and those entrusted with their care as the disease takes its course, tap into their special skills and talents as long as they are able...The authors effectively relate the importance of empathy and patience, as well as having a plan and a network of friends and advisors to deal with during the progression of Alzheimer's disease."--Kirkus Reports

" This book, which I can thoroughly recommend, is certainly revealing and contains much that is critical for caregivers to know. I believe every professional working with those with dementia and their caregivers would do well to have a copy. The book lends itself to reading straight through and then to being used as and when it is necessary as a reference. It is easy to find specific information as the framework is helpful and logical. The sections on the spiritual needs of those with dementia were welcome topics... I wish I had had this book when I set out on the caregiving journey."--International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry

“ For those of you who have a family member who has Alzheimer’s disease, or work with caregivers of person with Alzheimer’s disease, this book would be a helpful book to purchase. This reasonably priced book is right in line with the occupational therapy perspective for treatment. It considers capabilities of the person with Alzheimer’s disease rather than deficits. As the name implies it is a very pragmatic book which includes many helpful hints. In addition, it provides an overview of many web-based resources. Furthermore, as occupational therapists, we educate patients and family members. This book would be helpful to assist with developing home programs. Some of the key topics are: the stages of Alzheimer’s disease and how to work with the person at each stage, 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, and making the living environment more stimulating and enjoyable. The authors of the book have had personal experience working with someone having Alzheimer’s disease.” Book review by Dr. Helene Lohman

About the Authors: All co-authors have experience as educators and as caregivers to persons with Alzheimer’s disease:
Patricia R. Callone, MA, MRE, (Pat) is the Vice President for Institutional Relations at Creighton University. For six years she served on the Board of Directors of the Alzheimer’s Association Midlands Chapter.
Barbara C. Vasiloff, MA, is the co-founder and President of Discipline With Purpose, Inc., and Lecturer in the Department of Education in the College of Arts & Sciences, Creighton University.
Roger A. Brumback, MD, is a Professor of Pathology and Psychiatry and the Chairman of the Department of Pathology at the Creighton University School of Medicine.
Janaan Manternach, DMin., is a well-respected educator and author of religious education materials.
Connie Kudlacek, BS, was the Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association Midlands Chapter from 1986 through 2006.

Demos Medical Publishing
386 Park Avenue South
New York, NY 10016
www.demosmedpub.com