Alzheimer's for Dummies

An estimated 4 million people are living with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) in America today, with approximately 370,000 new cases diagnosed every year. AD patients live anywhere from 5 to 20 years after their diagnosis; and their inability to care for themselves grows more dramatic as the disease progresses, creating profound implications for their families and healthcare providers. Its impact on families during the caregiving years is overwhelming.

If you have a family member or close friend who’s suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease and you’re looking for current, useful information, then Alzheimer’s For Dummies is for you. This reference guide also is helpful if you

• Need to know more about its diagnosis and treatment
• Want to take care of yourself while taking care of your loved one
• Are not the primary caregiver but want to know how to help
• Want to know how Alzheimer’s Disease is going to affect you and your loved one

Alzheimer’s For Dummies takes a realistic look at Alzheimer’s Disease, what it is and what it isn’t. It offers pertinent, easy-to-understand advice for dealing with the myriad concerns and responsibilities that a primary caregiver must assume when managing an Alzheimer’s patient. Here’s a sampling of the information you’ll find in this valuable guide:

• Maneuvering through medical, legal, and financial tangles
• Distinguishing AD from other brain diseases and medical conditions
• Handling the fears that may accompany the diagnosis
• Evaluating current drug therapies; watching out for scams and quack treatments
• Finding the best doctors; dealing with attorneys and CPAs
• Looking at Medicare regulations
• Evaluating the cost of care
• The current state of research, diagnosis, and treatment

Television personality Leeza Gibbons, whose mother was stricken with AD, writes in the foreword of this book, “There is no upside to keeping your head in the sand. This book is a crucial step in your new fight. Arm yourself with the knowledge waiting for you in these pages. It will help you find answers and resources as you adjust to your new reality.”

This compassionate, practical guide is a reference for the families and caregivers of Alzheimer's patients - a book that explains what symptoms are typical, how the disease usually progresses, what to expect at each stage and how to improve the quality of life for Alzheimer's patients.

"I wish I had this book when my mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer's.

This is a powerful tool for those who battle this disease."

- Leeza Gibbons

Manage medical, financial, and legal issues

Reassuring ways to take care of your loved one-and yourself

Caring for someone with Alzheimer's? This compassionate guide presents the latest information on the symptoms, diagnosis, stages of the illness, and treatments, as well as the different types of care available.

Discover how to:

• Obtain a reliable diagnosis
• Evaluate drug therapies
• Identify scams and ineffective treatments
• Take part in clinical trials
• Cope with stress and exhaustion

The Dummies Way

• Explanations in plain English
• "Get in, get out" information
• Icons and other navigational aids
• Tear-out cheat sheet
• Top ten lists
• A dash of humor and fun

"I wish I had this book when my mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. This is a powerful tool for those who battle this disease."

—Leeza Gibbons

Manage medical, financial, and legal issues

Reassuring ways to take care of your loved one–and yourself

Caring for someone with Alzheimer's? This compassionate guide presents the latest information on the symptoms, diagnosis, stages of the illness, and treatments, as well as the different types of care available.

Discover how to:

• Obtain a reliable diagnosis
• Evaluate drug therapies
• Identify scams and ineffective treatments
• Take part in clinical trials
• Cope with stress and exhaustion

The Dummies Way

• Explanations in plain English
• "Get in, get out" information
• Icons and other navigational aids
• Tear-out cheat sheet
• Top ten lists
• A dash of humor and fun

An indispensable reference for the families and caregivers of Alzheimer's patients.

Patricia B. Smith is an award-winning medical writer.

Mary Mitchell Kenan, PsyD, is the Director of Education for Baylor College of Medicine’s Alzheimer’s Disease Center.

Mark Edwin Kunik, MD, MPH, is a geriatric psychiatrist at the Houston Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) and Baylor College of Medicine.

Foreword.

Introduction.

Part I: Could It Be Alzheimer’s Disease?

Chapter 1: The Facts on Alzheimer’s Disease.

Chapter 2: Symptoms, Causes, and Risk Factors.

Chapter 3: Getting a Diagnosis.

Chapter 4: Distinguishing Alzheimer’s Disease from Other Medical Conditions.

Chapter 5: Identifying Your Fears: For the Patient and the Caregiver.

Part II: Helping a Loved One Manage the Illness.

Chapter 6: Understanding the Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Chapter 7: Evaluating Drug Therapies.

Chapter 8: Avoiding Snake Oil and Other Ineffective Treatments.

Chapter 9: Taking Part in Clinical Trials.

Chapter 10: Promising New Drugs and Diagnostic Tools.

Chapter 11: Finding Alternative Therapies.

Part III: Providing Care for the AD Patient.

Chapter 12: Making Medical Decisions.

Chapter 13: Understanding Legal Issues for Alzheimer’s Patients.

Chapter 14: Working through Financial Issues for Alzheimer’s Patients.

Chapter 15: Evaluating Care Options.

Chapter 16: Caring for the Alzheimer’s Patient.

Part IV: Respite Care for the Caregiver.

Chapter 17: Coping While Caregiving.

Chapter 18: Finding Support.

Chapter 19: Taking Care of the Caregiver.

Chapter 20: Handling Work and Family as Caregiver.

Chapter 21: Helping When You’re Not the Primary Caregiver.

Part V: The Part of Tens.

Chapter 22: Ten Tips for the Alzheimer’s Caregiver.

Chapter 23: More Than Ten Internet Resources for Alzheimer’s Caregivers.

Index.