Description
Book SynopsisBecoming a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer's disease or another neurocognitive disorder can be an unexpected, undesirable, underappreciatedand yet noble role. It is heartbreaking to watch someone lose the very cognitive capacities that once helped to define them as a person. But because of the nature of these disorders, the only way to become an effective caregiver and cope with the role's many daily challenges is to become well-informed about the disease. With the right information, resources and tips on caregiving and working with professionals, you can become your own expert at both caring for your charge and taking care of yourself. In these pages, Marc Agronin guides readers through a better understanding of the changes their loved one may be going through, and helps them tap into the various resources available to them as they embark on an uncertain caregiving journey. Insisting that a caregiver also maintain his or her own health and well being, Agronin guides caregivers in
Trade ReviewAccording to Agronin (Miami Jewish Health Systems), Alzheimer’s disease is currently the most common neurocognitive disease (NCD), and such cases are expected to quadruple worldwide within the next 50 years: surely the need for well-informed caregivers will also increase. Inspired by his long professional experience with NCD patients, Agronin offers an easy-to-understand guide for anyone who serves as a nonprofessional caregiver. An introduction briefly explains the book’s purpose and describes requisite yet attainable characteristics of caregivers. The bulk of the material offers definitions of NCDs, including their known or suspected causes; recommended courses of action to take as a disease intensifies; and best practices for maintaining a person’s quality of life. Equally important topics deal with respite time for the caregiver, possible legal matters, and long-term care. The final chapter is a convenient list of relevant organization names and contact information. . . . VERDICT This practical guide outlines a sensible approach to providing quality care and is therefore highly recommended for anyone who is committed to serving as a caregiver. * Library Journal *
The Dementia Caregiver: A Guide to Caring for Someone with Alzheimer's Disease and Other Neurocognitive Disorders is an easy-to-read training manual for caregivers. The book helps readers gain a better understanding of what is happening to their loved one. * The Miami Herald *
The Dementia Caregiver is an essential guide for anyone caring for a loved one affected with a dementing illness, like Alzheimer’s. Dr. Agronin has drawn on science and his extensive clinical experience to produce a readable handbook that offers technical and practical information for new and experienced caregivers. The book acknowledges that the caregiver has assumed a new role – what others have called “a new career;” this book is an enormously helpful caregiver job training manual. -- Kenneth Hepburn, PhD, Professor, Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University
The Dementia Caregiver is a well-organized, thorough and practical guide for caregivers. It is accessible to the layman, but would be useful to professionals, as well. It does not ignore difficult or delicate matters, nor does it neglect the importance of maintaining dignity for the affected person. I would consider this a useful addition to my library. -- Bette Ann Moskowitz, author of Do I Know You? A Family's Journey Through Aging and Alzheimer's
Table of ContentsINTRODUCTION 1: Normal and Abnormal Cognitive Changes 2: Seeking Answers: State-of-the-Art Evaluation 3: The Spectrum of Neurocognitive Disorders 4: Alzheimer’s Disease 5: Vascular Dementia 6: Frontotemporal Dementia 7: Dementia with Lewy Bodies 8: Neurocognitive Disorders Due to Medical Causes 9: Caregiving in Mild Stages 10: Caregiving in Moderate Stages 11: Caregiving in Advanced Stages 12: Depression, Anxiety, Sleep and Apathy 13: Agitation and Psychosis 14: Dealing with Medical Issues 15: Caring for the Caregiver 16: Legal Issues 17: Long-Term Care 18: Resources
