Mayo Clinic Guide Alzheimer's Disease

My sisters and I come into contact with many people dealing with the devastating disease of Alzheimer's. This book is one that we often recommend, especially to those that want to understand the science behind Alzheimer's. The Mayo Clinic is well respected and people feel confident in the quality of the information provided. Alzheimer's disease is effecting more families every year. It is important that we all learn as much as possible about the disease and that we share that knowledge with others. Mary ... www.alzawareness.com .... Alzheimer's Awareness Source.

Excellent resource for all types of memory loss/ senility/ dementia/ stroke/ not just Alzheimer's. This book was created by the highly regarded Mayo Clinic medical center and is meant for the average reader and caregiver. It covers the different ways in which a person can develop health conditions leading to the various diagnoses under the umbrella term: "dementia". Although the book title uses the term "Alzheimer's disease, it is more fair to say anyone with a loved one with any type of dementia could benefit from this book. In general terms, anyone whose loved one is confused, is losing memory, sense of self, becoming paranoid, can no longer handle money, is no longer safe to drive, or to cook, is becoming demented. It is not about mental illness but the forms of changes in the brain at any age, (but usually old age, that leads to these losses of or changes in, identity.) Stroke, vascular disease, even small vascular 'accidents' like "TIA's", alcoholism, diabetes, head injuries, chronic Depression, are all causes, as well as true Alzheimer's disease,(100% diagnosable only on autopsy.) Parkinson's Dementia is another--almost indistinguishable from Alzheimer's but little known (and doesn't always accompany Parkinson's.) All of these lead to years of frustration for the patient as memory fades and dignity is lost, and end in tragedy in the truest sense for patient and his or her loved ones. There is no cure, only some new medications that can slightly slow the process. However this book is very helpful in having a central section specifically for caretakers, written in clear simple language, that addresses all of the main problems that caring for a memory-impaired, confused, demented person entails. Common sense ideas, down to earth and realistic are provided ("shut off the circuit breaker to stove; remove stove knobs.") Some other points to keep in mind: no one who is aging or aged AUTOMATICALLY becomes senile or confused. It is not a part of aging. If it is happening, the person should be checked out thoroughly-- medically,including screens for depression and nutrition as well. There are tests to determine cognitive loss, including brain MRI's for brain atrophy, which can be a cause of any type of dementia, not just Alhemer's Disease. Psychologic and neuropyschologic testing in the earliest stages of concern are important to differentiate between dementia and depression for example, also the earlier this is diagnosed the better, as the medications available, though not perfect, are more useful when started early. And, family can step in early while the affected member can participate and make plans for Living Wills, Durable Powers of Attorney, and all of the other highly important legal documents that are ABSOLUTELY CRITICAL or soon will be. Another point made in this book is that 5% of all people feared to have Alzheimer's or some other similar syndrome, when checked out thoroughly by medical professionals are found to have low thy

THE MAYO CLINIC ON ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE will help all caregivers to cope with the loss of their loved ones as cognitively sound individuals. Dementia is a disease that knows no boundaries. It is blind to the categories in which we usually place our fellow human beings. It can occur at the age of 55 or 85. It can happen to Blacks, Whites, Hispanics, Asians, Jews, Christians, Muslims, males and females, rich and poor. It has not spared ex-presidents. Tears are shed by husbands and wives, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters-in fact anyone responsible for the care of a loved one with dementia. I speak from personal experience. Dementia did not spare my mother whose 15 year journey into the opaque fog of this disease is told in my own recently published memoir. I recommend the Mayo Clinic book to anyone needing current professional information about this terrible disease. Robert Tell, Author of "DEMENTIA DIARY, A Care Giver's Journal"

I think I now have every book written on Alzheimer's, since I had two parents with it and felt compelled by the experience of caring for them to even write my own book on the subject, but Dr. Petersen has really put together a very comprehensive guide which you should have if you suspect that your loved one may be developing it. The behaviors caused by Alzheimer's are complex to understand and manage, but this book will help you through it. Jacqueline Marcell, Author, 'Elder Rage, or Take My Father...Please! How to Survive Caring For Aging Parents'. Also, Host of the 'Coping With Caregiving' Internet Radio Program

I've TENS of books on the subject (my mother was diagnosed) and this single book has been more helpful than the whole lot combined. I'm on the website now buying copies for all the members of my family and was surprised that no one else had reviewed this book. It has been indescribably informative, useful, comforting, and responsible for creating more peace for my family than you could imagine. Alzheimers is a horrible, heart-breaking disease; this single book has been singularly helpful to us in dealing with the challenges and choices we now face.