101 Questions about Alzheimer Disease and Dementia

by Peter V. Rabins

A medical expert answers your common questions about memory loss, causes of dementia, diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and more. Perhaps someone in your family has been diagnosed with Alzheimer disease―or maybe you worry about developing memory loss yourself. In Is It Alzheimer's? , Dr. Peter V. Rabins, a top expert in the field, educates readers by answering 101 often-asked questions about memory loss and dementia. Written in a conversational, easy-to-use Q&A style, the book is organized into seven unique sections. A companion to the best-selling The 36-Hour Day , which Dr. Rabins coauthored, this book discusses • how to distinguish typical memory loss from early dementia
• how dementia is diagnosed
• what factors play a role in the progression of dementia
• whether it's possible to lower your risk of developing Alzheimer disease or dementia
• how to improve the quality of life of people with dementia
• how to assess long-term care facilities and nursing homes
• available treatments, including medication
• how to explain the symptoms of Alzheimer disease and dementia to others
• how to provide caregivers with psychological and emotional support
• and much more Aimed at friends and family members of the estimated 5.1 million US adults with dementia, as well as adults who are concerned about developing dementia, the book offers helpful directions and comfort. Is It Alzheimer's? is a quick, accessible, and essential reference for anyone who hopes to navigate the confusion of dementing illnesses.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction

160 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2020

About the author

Peter Rabins has studied, written about, and cared for people with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease for 40 years. He was the founding director of the division of geriatric psychiatry at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore, MD and the first holder of the Richman Family Chair of Alzheimer’s disease and Related Disorders. He continues to lecture, consult, and conduct research on issues relevant to older individuals with dementia and other psychiatric problems, but also provides legal consultation and maintains an active sculpture studio.

Reviews

[Rama Rao · Rating 3 out of 5]

Understanding cognition decline

A plan to manage Alzheimer's disease (AD) and dementia becomes necessary when you or your loved ones is affected with a cognitive decline. I have always used well known websites like Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic and National Institute of Health (NIH) websites for general medical and pharmaceutical questions. I could find answers to many questions this way. But this book addresses a broad audience of patients, caregivers, and treatment centers with a plan to deal with AD. You can learn to recognize warning signs, symptoms, and stages of the disease. The author explains in a conversational Q&A style, about the symptoms of AD and dementia, improving the quality of life of people suffering from AD, and how dementia is diagnosed. For specific questions and treatments, you must consult with your care providers and the physician who is treating your family members, but this book offers some useful advice as how you can handle a critical time in your life.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good reference tool. Opened my eyes as to where my Mom is in this memory loss - dementia - Alzheimer spectrum. Great tips to watch for and how to handle her denial or arguing with me/my sisters. Will strongly recommend my family members to read this as Mom progresses.

Very Good!

[Cindy Mac Jac · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sadly not all my books read this year will be for enjoyment. A good reference book for laypeople who need those short and concise answers to frequently asked questions.

[Bookewyfe · Rating 4 out of 5]

139 pages worth of common questions about this mysterious disease. I learned a few things but I still want to know more. There has to be a diagram breakdown of what amyloid proteins are, tau proteins, etc. Age is of course a factor but so is: heart health, cholesterol lipid levels, liver health, mental health (depression), physical fitness (exercise, movement), sleep (there is a breakdown process of proteins that occurs in the brain during sleep but when insomnia occurs, is disrupted), genetics, vitamin B-12 deficiency, thyroid health, kidney health, adrenal gland health, and more. It seems overwhelming.

I also learned the disease cannot be seen in a CAT scan, MRI scan, X ray, PET scan, or Glucose PET scan. A blood test is not a diagnosis. Amyloid PET scans show if the abnormal protein is located in the brain and if so, where it is. SPECT scan may diagnose dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson disease dementia. Some dementias are incorrectly diagnosed; autopsy shows more accurate diagnosis.

I believe science has come a long way in helping us understand more about it and things that can contribute to it, but, I hope something will be discovered that can ultimately end it. This is a thieving, vile disease and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. Vaccines are now out but they are not a cure. Alzheimer’s is a very common disease and most of us have known someone with it. I hope this changes.

When I was working in home health for a little while, some of my patients had it. Working in hospice volunteering, I see it. Working closely in it has taught me a lot and helps me to understand it in my father and step mother. She is more cognitive than he is. I recently learned my grandfather had Parkinson’s Dementia. I hope none of this will be my fate. If you or someone you love is suffering from this disease, my heart goes out to you!

[Sara Goldenberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was fine

[Barbara Monk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative and easy to understand.

[Dave N'renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

a quick read that answers lots of questions and educates in an easy to understand manner...not a lot of medical jargon and what there is explained with drawings and definitions.

[Courtney Bedrava · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative and helpful. Some of the questions were very specific, but the generalized advice and explanation was useful.

[Mbur · Rating 4 out of 5]

2025 updated edition of answering relatable questions from real people. 90% of the feedback/guidance will always be different though, as each situation is nuanced.