1. What Is Alzheimer's?
Alois Alzheimer's Discovery. The Continuing Puzzle of Alzheimer's. A Cure in Sight? How This Book Will Help You.
2. When to Worry: The Ten Warning Signs of Alzheimer's.
Warning Sign Number One: Difficulty with Familiar Tasks. Warning Sign Number Two: Slipping Job Performance. Warning Sign Number Three: Language Difficulties. Warning Sign Number Four: Confusion of Time and Place. Warning Sign Number Five: Increasingly Poor Judgment. Warning Sign Number Six: Problems with Abstract Thinking. Warning Sign Number Seven: Misplacing Objects. Warning Sign Number Eight: Mood and Behavior Fluctuations. Warning Sign Number Nine: Changes in Personality. Warning Sign Number Ten: Lack of Initiative. The Importance of Early Diagnosis. How Affected People Try to Cope.
3. Why It's Difficult to Diagnose Alzheimer's.
The Causes of Dementia. Other Causes of Dementia. Reversible Dementias. A Diagnosis of Exclusion.
4. The Diagnosis-a Frustrating Ordeal.
Find the Right Doctors. The Medical History and Physical Exam. Mental Status Test. Psychiatric and Neuropsychological Exams. The Possible Results.
5. Dealing with the Bad News.
The Patient's Feelings. Your Feelings. Medical Support for the Patient. Emotional Support for the Patient. Support for You.
6. Plans for the Future.
Financial Plans.Legal Plans. Medical and Nursing Care Plans. Spiritual and Emotional Plans.
7. What to Expect in Stage 1.
Difficulty with Routine Tasks. Increasing Memory Loss. Emotional Changes. Odd and Inappropriate Behavior. Physical Changes.
8. General Guidelines for Caring for Alzheimer's Patients.
Cooperate with the Patient's Wishes. Stick to Daily Schedules. Plan Meaningful Activities. Create a Calm and Stable Environment. Establish Good Verbal and Nonverbal Communication. Stop Blaming.
9. How Do You Survive Stage 1?
When You Are the Patient's Life Partner. When You Are the Patient's Child. Acknowledge Your Feelings. Keep Your Sense of Humor. Ask for Help! Exercise and Eat Well.
10. What to Expect in Stage 2.
Some General Changes. Severe Memory Loss. Difficulty Communicating. Physical Changes. Personality Changes. The Hygiene Nightmare.
11. Dealing with Difficult Behavior.
Repetition. Clinging. Suspiciousness and Paranoia. Rage and Catastrophic Outbursts. Hallucinations or Delusions. Depression. Sexual Behaviors. Sundowning and Sleep Disturbances.
12. How Do You Survive Stage 2?
Expressing Your Emotions. Physical Reactions. When Is It Time to Get Help? Avoiding Isolation.
13. What to Expect in Stage 3.
Severe Intellectual Impairment. Refusal to Eat. Complete Dependency. The Final Months.
14. Medical Care Issues in Stage 3.
Falls. Pressure Sores. Dental Problems. Vision and Hearing Problems. Dehydration. Constipation. Infections and Pneumonia.
15. Before Death Comes.
Medical Intervention. Where Will the Patient Die? The Last Moments. After-Death Decisions.
16. How Do You Survive Stage 3?
Are You Ready to Let Go? There's Nothing Wrong with Feeling Relief. Guilt, Anger, and Depression. Experiencing Sadness and Grief. Moving On. If You Are Not the Primary Caregiver.
17. Securing Your Home.
General Safety Considerations. Is It Too Cluttered, Busy, or Noisy? Stairways. The Bathroom. The Bedroom. The Kitchen. Outdoors. Other Issues.
18. Mealtime Traumas.
Planning and Preparing Meals. Other Mealtime Problems. Drinking.
19. Personal Hygiene at Home.
Getting Dressed. Personal Grooming. Bathing. When Accidents Happen.
20. Time Off: Getting Help for You.
Help from Family and Friends. Help from Outside Providers. Home Aides-Where to Find Them. How to Supervise Your Help. Adult Day Care. Vacations: Short-Term Respite Care.
21. Moving the Patient in Advance of a Crisis.
When Is the Right Time? Involve Others in the Decision. Allow Time to Find the Right Place.
22. How to Choose the Right Nursing Home.
The Level of Care Needed. Geographical Area. Licensing or Certification. Financial Considerations. Inspect the Facility. The Staff. Medical Policies. General Policies and Considerations.
23. Moving In.
A Smooth Transition. The Patient's Reaction. Your Reaction. When It's Your Partner. When It's Your Parent.
24. Make Your Visits Count.
Create a Regular Visiting Routine. Creative Ways to Connect. Positive Feedback. How to Handle an Upsetting Visit. Keep in Touch with the Staff.
25. The Present: Caring for Yourself Through It All.
Empathy for You. The Physical Part of Staying Healthy. The Mental and Spiritual Parts of Staying Healthy. Get a Massage. Be Good to Yourself.
26. The Future: Is There Hope?
Solving Dr. Alzheimer's Puzzle. Clues from Gene Research. Clues from Mice Models. Drugs. Herbs. Other Research Areas. Helping to Fund Hope.
Appendixes.
Appendix A. Glossary. Appendix B. Further Reading. Appendix C. Community Resources. Appendix D. Online Resources.
Index.
Format: Paperback, 343 pages
