Alzheimer's & Dementia For Dummies

by Michael Wasserman

Your sensitive, authoritative guide to Alzheimer's and dementia

If a loved one has recently been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer's disease, it's only natural to feel fraught with fear and uncertainty about what lies ahead. Fortunately, you don't have to do it alone. This friendly and authoritative guide is here to help you make smart, informed choices throughout the different scenarios you'll encounter as a person caring for someone diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer's disease. From making sense of a diagnosis to the best ways to cope with symptoms, Alzheimer's and Dementia For Dummies is the trusted companion you can count on as you navigate your way through this difficult landscape.

Affecting one's memory, thinking, and behavior, dementia and Alzheimer's disease can't be prevented, cured, or slowed—but a diagnosis doesn't mean you have to be left helpless! Inside, you'll find out how to make sense of the symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer's disease, understand the stages of the illnesses, and, most importantly, keep your loved one safe and comfortable—no matter how severe their symptoms are.

Find out what to expect from Alzheimer's and dementia Discover what to keep in mind while caring for someone with Alzheimer's or dementia Uncover symptoms, causes, and risk factors of Alzheimer's and dementia Learn the critical information needed to help manage these illnesses

Whether you're new to caring for a person affected by Alzheimer's or dementia or just looking for some answers and relief on your journey, this is the trusted resource you'll turn to again and again.

Genres: Nonfiction

422 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 23, 2016

Reviews

[Jood · Rating 4 out of 5]

The “Dummies” guides have been around for quite some time and I have found those I've read, (or, to be honest, skimmed through), useful and informative with their easy-to-read format. This particular one is no exception, even though several sections are appropriate only for those who live in the USA – more on that later.

I'm thinking that most people who choose to read this have a specific and personal reason for doing so – someone they know, or maybe they themselves, have been diagnosed with either of these horrible conditions. I fall into the former category as I provide what care I can for my 95-year old mother who has dementia, and my 97-year old father also tries his best to care for her. They still live in their own home, which has both benefits and pitfalls. This book has taught me so much in just a few pages.

I now understand the difference between Alzheimer's and Dementia, and can see so much of what is happening to my mother between these pages. The book follows the well trod format of all Dummies books – several sections, each divided into chapters, clearly written but in no way condescending. It can be read cover to cover, or dipped into as required. There are topics which we, as “normal” people, might not necessarily think of, such as diet, eating difficulties, preventing boredom, making bedtime easier, avoiding scams...the list goes on. Caring for a loved one is not just a case of popping in every so often and asking if everything's alright; it's physically, mentally, and above all, emotionally tiring. You become a parent to your parents, and I've found this book is a huge help.

As I mentioned earlier, there are chunks which are more for the American reader, such as legalities, hospitals and medical care, but these serve as a nudge for anyone involved in the care of a victim of these diseases, to get affairs in order and not to ignore this area simply because it's too emotionally difficult.

I honestly wish I didn't need this book. But I do.

My thanks to Amazon for a very timely copy for review

[Julianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an American based book (in case you are reading this in a different country). I found the information contained within the audiobook that I listened to was really interesting. Whilst some of it wasn’t totally relevant, it gives enough information you can then research what you needed for your own country. I liked the fact that the book not only dealt with Alzheimer’s and Dementia and the care of the person suffering this disease, but it also talked about planning for the future, looking at respite and residential cate, caring for the carer and also caring for the secondary caters and there role. If you have a loved one with dementia then I would strongly encourage you to learn more about the disease and your future potential paths and read this book

[Annie Wildemann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very good. Lots of useful information about the disease and very thorough. I have a family member who was recently diagnosed and it answered a lot of the questions that I had. Will definitely be recommending this book to the rest of my family.

[Barry Welsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great resource with a lot of useful information

[Sophia Loves to read · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book full of information, probably too much to take In in one go. Very resourceful tho

[Judy Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book through the Amazon Vine Voices program.

This book will give you very basic, easy to understand information concerning Alzheimer's Disease and dementia. I appreciated the fact that each chapter is constructed in such a way that you can read just that information and then move on to another category of information as you need it. If you are just beginning your search for a diagnosis, you don't need to read chapters devoted to legal and financial tasks; those can wait until you know for sure what you are dealing with.

If you check the "look inside" feature on the Amazon product page for this book you can scroll through the entire Table of Contents to see what topics are covered. Naturally within the chapters there will be some repetition, but I'm glad to say it has been held to a minimum. The first information you need to review is which symptoms you or the possible patient are exhibiting in order to have the most open and frank discussion possible with the physician you consult. This book doesn't try to differentiate between the many different types of dementia but it does bring home the fact that dementia does not always include Alzheimer's while Alzheimer's always includes dementia. It is also quite possible to show signs of dementia which are caused by another medical problem which needs to be treated.

We have all heard all types of statements regarding Alzheimer's and dementia. Now find out in an easy to read content which of these statements are true, half-true, mostly false or completely false. Putting off finding out the facts may result in you or someone you know suffering needlessly. Even if you find you need more information on a specific topic, this book will definitely get you started in finding out what is happening and where to go for help with your next step.

[Phillip · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hope you never have to deal with this issue but if you do this is a great place to start.

[Peggy McCoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good overview with lots of basic information. As a caregiver, I think they did a good job of advocating for caregiver self-care.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gives general information for the most part, this is an older version of this series, so some of information is out of date. However, the text gives some good information for an overall look at Alzheimer's and dementia.

As Always, Happy Reading!

[LGVReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative. A must read if your family is experiencing this.

[Budd Margolis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A solid starting point on anyones journey of understanding, planning and organising, coping and dealing with this dreaded disease.

[Linda Is on her way · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/4 Stars
A couple things didn't apply so I skipped it , like us laws and so on. Interesting books with a lot of tips on what to do and how to go about procedures.

[Marcia Bickel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative.