Review: Very valuable information
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 05 31, 2014
The information contained in this book is invaluable and I highly recommend it to everyone but particularly those who have a loved one that has been diagnosed with either Alzheimer’s or Dementia.  I also highly recommend this book to all staff members employed at assisted living residences.The book is divided into three parts and each part contains detailed information that is further divided into chapters.  The sections include “Understanding Alzheimer’s, Understanding Dementia and Caring for Patients with Alzheimer’s or Dementia”.Regarding Alzheimer’s, the author explains that Alzheimer’s “does not affect any particular part of the brain exclusively; instead it virtually attacks multiple regions” and describes just how the brain is affected.  He also describes, with great detail, the symptoms and points out the importance of knowing the symptoms in order to understand that certain behavior may be caused by the disease rather than being part of the person’s personality – and understanding this fact can go a long way in being able to provide better care.  The author also describes the stages of Alzheimer’s plus so much more extremely useful information.With respect to Dementia, the author informs us that Dementia on its own is not a specific disease “but rather a word used for the accumulation of symptoms …” and states that unlike Alzheimer’s, Dementia may even be reversible.  In describing who can get Dementia, the author lists a number of conditions that may ultimately lead to Dementia.The book also contains tried and true steps and strategies on how to provide proper and effective care for those people that have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or Dementia and I strongly recommend all Nursing Homes and other assisted living residences have copies of this book available for their staff and their patient’s loved ones.I am very impressed with this book and the useful and valuable detailed information it contains.  When someone whom you care about very much has either disease, if you’re like me, you want to learn everything you can about the disease and this book will certainly help fulfill that quest.  I strongly urge all caregivers to purchase their copy as it will certainly assist with being able to provide the best care possible.