What do you think?
Rate this book
Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia: What Everyone Needs to Know®
Alzheimer's is swiftly on the it is estimated that every 67 seconds, someone develops the disease. For many, the words "Alzheimer's disease" or "dementia" immediately denote severe mental loss and, perhaps, madness. Indeed, the vast majority of media coverage of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other types of dementia focuses primarily on the losses experienced by people diagnosed and the terrible burden felt by care partners yearning for a "magic bullet" drug cure.
Providing an accessible, question-and-answer-format primer on what touches so many lives, and yet so few of us understand, Alzheimer's Disease and What Everyone Needs to Know ® contributes what is urgently missing from public unsparing investigation of their causes and manifestations, and focus on the strengths possessed by people diagnosed. Steven R. Sabat mines a large body of research to convey the genetic and biological aspects of Alzheimer's disease, its clinical history, and, most significantly, to reveal the subjective experience of those with Alzheimer's or dementia. By clarifying the terms surrounding dementia and Alzheimer's, which are two distinct conditions, Sabat corrects dangerous misconceptions that plague our understanding of memory dysfunction and many other significant abilities that people with AD and dementia possess even in the moderate to severe stages. People diagnosed with AD retain awareness, thinking ability, and sense of self; crucially,
Sabat demonstrates that there are ways to facilitate communication even when the person with AD has great difficulty finding the words he or she wants to use. From years spent exploring and observing the points of view and experiences of people diagnosed, Sabat strives to inform as well as to remind readers of the respect and empathy owed to those diagnosed and living with dementia.
Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia conveys this type of information and more, which, when applied by family and professional caregivers, will help improve the quality of life of those diagnosed as well as of those who provide support and care.
Providing an accessible, question-and-answer-format primer on what touches so many lives, and yet so few of us understand, Alzheimer's Disease and What Everyone Needs to Know ® contributes what is urgently missing from public unsparing investigation of their causes and manifestations, and focus on the strengths possessed by people diagnosed. Steven R. Sabat mines a large body of research to convey the genetic and biological aspects of Alzheimer's disease, its clinical history, and, most significantly, to reveal the subjective experience of those with Alzheimer's or dementia. By clarifying the terms surrounding dementia and Alzheimer's, which are two distinct conditions, Sabat corrects dangerous misconceptions that plague our understanding of memory dysfunction and many other significant abilities that people with AD and dementia possess even in the moderate to severe stages. People diagnosed with AD retain awareness, thinking ability, and sense of self; crucially,
Sabat demonstrates that there are ways to facilitate communication even when the person with AD has great difficulty finding the words he or she wants to use. From years spent exploring and observing the points of view and experiences of people diagnosed, Sabat strives to inform as well as to remind readers of the respect and empathy owed to those diagnosed and living with dementia.
Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia conveys this type of information and more, which, when applied by family and professional caregivers, will help improve the quality of life of those diagnosed as well as of those who provide support and care.
- GenresNonfiction
272 pages, Paperback
Published February 1, 2018
16 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
September 7, 2023
This book serves as an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of Alzheimer's and dementia. Sabat, a psychology professor with a focus on the social and psychological aspects of Alzheimer's, brings a unique blend of scientific rigor and empathetic understanding to the subject matter.
The book is divided into easily digestible sections, each addressing key questions and concerns surrounding Alzheimer's and dementia. From the early signs and symptoms to the ethical considerations of caregiving, Sabat covers a wide range of topics with both depth and clarity. One of the standout features of the book is its focus on the human element, emphasizing the experiences of those living with the disease and their families. This is not just a clinical overview; it's a compassionate guide that seeks to humanize a condition often reduced to statistics and medical jargon.
Sabat challenges the common stereotypes and misconceptions about Alzheimer's, particularly the idea that the disease completely erases one's identity. He argues that despite the cognitive impairments, the essence of the individual remains. This perspective is not only refreshing but also empowering for caregivers and families, as it encourages meaningful interaction with the affected individuals.
The book also delves into the social and ethical dimensions of Alzheimer's care. Sabat discusses the importance of dignity, autonomy, and ethical considerations in caregiving, topics that are often overlooked in mainstream discussions about the disease. He also addresses the financial and emotional toll on families, offering practical advice on navigating the healthcare system and advocating for better policies.
While it serves as an excellent introductory text, those looking for an in-depth scientific analysis might find it lacking in technical details. Sabat opts for accessibility over complexity, which, depending on your needs, could be either a strength or a weakness.
Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia: What Everyone Needs to Know is a comprehensive, empathetic, and highly readable guide. It successfully bridges the gap between the scientific community and the general public, making the complex subject matter accessible without sacrificing depth. Whether you're a caregiver, a family member, or simply someone interested in understanding these conditions better, this book offers a wealth of information and insights.
The book is divided into easily digestible sections, each addressing key questions and concerns surrounding Alzheimer's and dementia. From the early signs and symptoms to the ethical considerations of caregiving, Sabat covers a wide range of topics with both depth and clarity. One of the standout features of the book is its focus on the human element, emphasizing the experiences of those living with the disease and their families. This is not just a clinical overview; it's a compassionate guide that seeks to humanize a condition often reduced to statistics and medical jargon.
Sabat challenges the common stereotypes and misconceptions about Alzheimer's, particularly the idea that the disease completely erases one's identity. He argues that despite the cognitive impairments, the essence of the individual remains. This perspective is not only refreshing but also empowering for caregivers and families, as it encourages meaningful interaction with the affected individuals.
The book also delves into the social and ethical dimensions of Alzheimer's care. Sabat discusses the importance of dignity, autonomy, and ethical considerations in caregiving, topics that are often overlooked in mainstream discussions about the disease. He also addresses the financial and emotional toll on families, offering practical advice on navigating the healthcare system and advocating for better policies.
While it serves as an excellent introductory text, those looking for an in-depth scientific analysis might find it lacking in technical details. Sabat opts for accessibility over complexity, which, depending on your needs, could be either a strength or a weakness.
Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia: What Everyone Needs to Know is a comprehensive, empathetic, and highly readable guide. It successfully bridges the gap between the scientific community and the general public, making the complex subject matter accessible without sacrificing depth. Whether you're a caregiver, a family member, or simply someone interested in understanding these conditions better, this book offers a wealth of information and insights.
April 19, 2019
Was happy to pick up some better ways to interact with my Mom, so I am grateful. I think this book would be great for caregivers of a group of patients i.e. assisted living .
August 15, 2019
Well written with beneficial information. A horrible disease. Perhaps someday a true cure will emerge from all of this scientific research ... but until that day arrives ... pray.
March 7, 2021
A comprehensive but accessible read for anyone who needs information.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews