The Common Sense Guide to Dementia For Clinicians and Caregivers

__The Common Sense Guide to Dementia for Clinicians and Caregivers__ provides an easy-to-read, practical, and thoughtful approach to dementia care. Written by two specialists who have cared for thousands of patients with dementia and their families, this ground-breaking title unifies the perspectives of neurology and psychiatry to meet a variety of caregiver needs. It spotlights many real-world concerns not typically covered in standard textbooks, while simultaneously presenting a more detailed medical perspective than typical caregiver manuals. This handy title offers expert guidance for the clinical management of dementia and compassionate support of patients and families. Designed to enhance the physician-caregiver interaction and liberally illustrated with case examples, __The Common Sense Guide__ espouses general principles of dementia care that apply across the stages and spectrum of this illness, including non-Alzheimer's types of dementia, in addition to Alzheimer's disease. Clinicians, family members, and other caregivers will find this volume useful from the moment that symptoms of dementia emerge. The authors place an emphasis on caring for the caregiver as well as the patient. Essential topics include how to find the right clinician, make the most of a doctor's visit, and avert a crisis - or manage one that can't be avoided. Sometimes difficult considerations, such as driving, financial management, legal matters, long-term placement, and end-of-life care, are faced head-on. Tried, true, and time-saving tips are explained in terms of what works - and what doesn't - with regard to clinical evaluation, medications, behavioral measures, and alternate therapies. Medical, nursing, and allied health care professionals will undoubtedly turn to this unique overview as a vital resource and mainstay of clinical dementia care, as well as a valuable recommendation for family caregivers. Overview: The Common Sense Guide to Dementia for Clinicians and Caregivers provides an easy-to-read, practical, and thoughtful approach to dementia care. Written by two specialists who have cared for thousands of patients with dementia and their families, this ground-breaking title unifies the perspectives of neurology and psychiatry to meet a variety of caregiver needs. It spotlights many real-world concerns not typically covered in standard textbooks, while simultaneously presenting a more detailed medical perspective than typical caregiver manuals. This handy title offers expert guidance for the clinical management of dementia and compassionate support of patients and families. Designed to enhance the physician-caregiver interaction and liberally illustrated with case examples, The Common Sense Guide espouses general principles of dementia care that apply across the stages and spectrum of this illness, including non-Alzheimer's types of dementia, in addition to Alzheimer's disease. Clinicians, family members, and other caregivers will find this volume useful from the moment that symptoms of dementia emerge. The authors place an emphasis on caring for the caregiver as well as the patient. Essential topics include how to find the right clinician, make the most of a doctor's visit, and avert a crisis-or manage one that can't be avoided. Sometimes difficult considerations, such as driving, financial management, legal matters, long-term placement, and end-of-life care, are faced head-on. Tried, true, and time-saving tips are explained in terms of what works-and what doesn't-with regard to clinical evaluation, medications, behavioral measures, and alternate therapies. Medical, nursing, and allied health care professionals will undoubtedly turn to this unique overview as a vital resource and mainstay of clinical dementia care, as well as a valuable recommendation for family caregivers Front Matter....Pages i-xxi What Is Dementia?....Pages 1-4 Front Matter....Pages 5-5 Signposts: What to Look for and When to Seek Help....Pages 7-18 Finding Help....Pages 19-28 Preparing for a Visit to the Doctor....Pages 29-41 Making the Most of the Doctor’s Visit....Pages 43-55 Front Matter....Pages 57-57 The Seven Common Senses of Dementia Care....Pages 59-69 Caring for the Caregiver....Pages 71-79 Dementia Medications....Pages 81-96 Alternative Therapies in Dementia....Pages 97-109 Alcohol and Other Substances....Pages 111-121 Front Matter....Pages 123-123 Mood Issues in Dementia....Pages 125-128 Psychosis....Pages 129-133 Dealing with Problem Behaviors in Dementia....Pages 135-148 Front Matter....Pages 149-149 Legal and Financial Matters....Pages 151-162 Selecting Level of Care....Pages 163-188 Looking Ahead: The Later Stages....Pages 189-200 Back Matter....Pages 201-206