[.uk] Mayo Clinic on Alzheimer's Disease (ISBN 1893005224)

excellent resource for all types of dementia/ senility/ not just Alzheimer's:
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 thyroid, depression, vitamin deficiencies, low grade malnutrition, metabolic problems, or drug intoxication (the elderly are often on multiple prescription medications and over the counter medicines,and often their aging kidneys and livers do not deal with these as a younger person's would and they can build up in their system to an unsafe level.) Therefore all of these need to be ruled out first. A very thorough book, easily readable, packed full of information in only 210 pages, if you're only going to buy one book on this subject, this may well be the one to buy.

One of my "Must" readings for caregivers:
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"

Great Info about 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.

Not best option for most:
Disappointing. Weak effort from influential Mayo Clinic. While this book may be a good resource for some, the main audience is of course spouses and families dealing with a loved one's presenting symptoms of early stage Alzheimer's. They (and more and more of 'us') are looking for good basic guides and guidance. This is NOT the book for them or 'us.' Although collecting lots of decent information, way too much seems of limited relevance to the prime audience. Some of the content now seems to the lay reader rather dated. There is too much space given to multifaceted clinical dimensions and too little to support for spouses and families. But more importantly the book is poorly organized and presented. Overall it exhibits weak editing and/or perhaps the cobbling together of other Mayo publications. In itself this is unfortunate in any book but with a resource of such importance, with the imprimatur and attendant authority of the Mayo Clinic itself, it is most disappointing. I imagine thousands of libraries have purchased this book based on the Mayo name to a large extent. For one of the most pressing and heartbreaking of health issues facing America, they and their patrons deserve better. An improved edition of this book should rise to the top of Mayo Clinic's to do list... Jan Malcheski

Very helpful book:
This book contains not only the latest medical and scientific information on the physical aspects of Alzheimer's, but a "what to do if" section that offers suggestions when specific behavioral problems are encountered. For example, what can the caregiver do when the Alzheimer's patient does not wish to bathe, change clothes for a week, go to the doctors, etc.? This book relieves some of the stress of caring for a person with Alzheimer's.