Theres Still a Person in There or Survival Handbook

There's Still a Person in There: The Complete Guide to Treating and Coping with Alzheimer's

Author: Michael Castleman

Alzheimer's patients sometimes have trouble recognizing their own families. They may become confused, disoriented, or lethargic -- and can even endanger themselves if not closely watched. Faced with the loss of their independence and skills, they may resent having to rely on others. Caring for someone with Alzheimer's is one of the most painful challenges a person can face. It can also be among the most rewarding. And although there is still no cure for this disease, there is, at last, hope.

In recent years, remarkable progress has been made in treating, managing, and preventing Alzheimer's. With information about the latest medical advances, coping strategies for caregivers, and affecting accounts from families dealing with this disease, There's Still a Person in There presents a new understanding of Alzheimer's -- one that is optimistic, courageous, and comforting.

Publishers Weekly

Alzheimer's disease strikes some 250,000 Americans annually, the editors maintain, and an estimated 2.4 million people care for the several million people who have the disease. What makes caring for someone with Alzheimer's particularly difficult is the transformation the victims undergo. As this book evidences through its case histories, people with Alzheimer's become almost unrecognizable: a quiet, shy person will suddenly shout in the middle of the street for hours at a time; a well-groomed woman will forget about showering and insist on wearing the same article of clothing for days at a time. Still, there is some cause for optimism, claim the authors (Castleman wrote Nature's Cures, Naythons is a physician and Gallagher-Thompson cared for her ailing mother). Diagnosis and treatment has changed over the past decade, so that with proper medication and a different approach by caregivers and health-care professionals, Alzheimer's sufferers can be made comfortable, which in turn helps their families. The case studies provide insights into the stages from diagnosis through progression of the disease. Practical information on new drug therapies, alternative treatments, tips on evaluating residential facilities as well as an appendix of other resources make this an indispensable guide for patients, caregivers and anyone who must deal with Alzheimer's disease. (Jan.) Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.

Library Journal

More than 70 percent of the two to four million people diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease are cared for at home by family members, often until the disease's final stages. Numerous books for caregivers have appeared over the last decade, but the need for high-quality publications continues. This book's authors--Castleman, a health journalist, Dolores Gallagher-Thompson, a psychologist specializing in caregiving, and Matthew Naythons, a physician turned Internet entrepreneur--have gathered the latest research on the causes, diagnosis, current and potential treatments for Alzheimer's and communicated these findings clearly and intelligibly. Essential information on getting a diagnosis, coping with behavioral changes, medications, and sources of support and assistance is provided. Such material is available elsewhere in greater detail (Nancy Mace and Peter Rabin's The 36-Hour Day, 3d ed., LJ 7/99); however, the authors emphasize the importance of families caring for themselves as well in order to avoid the physical and emotional tolls unrelieved caregiving can take. Stories of culturally and ethnically diverse families coping successfully with Alzheimer's plus an extensive bibliography and resource list increase the volume's reader-friendliness. A valuable addition to Alzheimer's and caregiving collections.--Karen McNally Bensing, Benjamin Rose Inst. Lib., Cleveland Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.

Staten Island Advance

The book provides a list of early warning signs of Alzheimer's disease, detailed discussion of treatments, as well as background on the disease ranging from its history to up-to-date scientific findings about its biology and progression. It also offers practical advice for caregivers, as well as various caregiver options when home care is no longer viable. The book features a series of profiles which demonstrate the human side to the disease and the ways it touches those struggling with it. The profiles vary from caregivers to patients afflicted with Alzheimer's disease.

County Living's Healthy Living

With authority and compassion, they cover everything from the history of the disorder to its warning signs, stages, and treatments-including new pharmaceutical and complementary therapies. The chapters focusing on caregivers will especially helpful for patients' loved ones; other sections present heartfelt profiles of Alzheimer's sufferers (including one man's moving reflections as he become increasingly afflicted with the disease) and their families.

What People Are Saying

Laura N. Gitlin
Laura Gitlin, Ph.D., Director, Community and Homecare Research Division, Thomas Jefferson University, and Director for Research, Senior Health Institute, Jefferson Health System

This absorbing, easy to read book provides comprehensive, up-to-date information about Alzheimer's Disease and ways of coping with its daily challenges. The real-life stories are powerful testimonies that show how patients and families who often lack basic information about the disease and the strategies that can preserve their own well-being.
—Ph.D., Director, Community and Homecare Research Division, Thomas Jefferson University, and Director for Research, Senior Health Institute, Jefferson Health System

William Haley
William Haley, h.D., professor and Chair, Department of Gerontology, University of South Florida

A comprehensive guide to what we know about Alzheimer's disease. The book is unique in providing a helpful review of controversial topics such as the use of alternative therapies and potential ways to prevent Alzheimer's disease. A must read for anyone interested in Alzheimer's disease.

Marcia Ory
Marcia Ory, Ph.D., MPH, Chief, Social Science Research on Aging, Behavioral and Social Research Program, National Institute on Aging

There''s Still a Person in There contains thorough, easily readable information that should inspire hope in patients and their families. Combining the latest in medical knowledge with a case history approach, the authors present what is known about new drugs and other helpful strategies for managing behavioral problems associated with dementia. The information about ethnic elders and people of color and dementia is an especially novel and welcome addition to books on dementia.

Jerome Yesavage
Jerome Yesavage, professor of Psychiatry, Stanford University

An outstanding new guide with the latest insights on coping with the tragedy of dementia in the family.

David Troxel
David Troxel, MPH, coauthor of The Best Friends Approach to Alzheimer's Care, and Director, Santa Barbara Alzheimer's Association

There's a Still a Person in There reflects the latest thinking in Alzheimer's disease diagnosis, management and care. This is an important and valuable resource for professionals and families.

Table of Contents:

	Introduction: New Insights, New Hope	1
1.	"There's Still a Person in There": Profile of Ann and Julian Davidson	5
2.	Worried About Someone?: The Warning Signs of Alzheimer's	30
3.	Dr. Alzheimer's Strange Discovery: The History, Biology, and Rising Toll of Alzheimer's	34
4.	"We Wanted Very Much to Take Care of Her": Profile of Jorge, Anna, and Rosa Flores	47
5.	Who's at Risk? Important New Insights into Risk Factors for Alzheimer's	65
6.	The Diagnostic Dilemma: Is It Really Alzheimer's?	86
7.	Coping With Alzheimer's Disease: The Experts' Ten-Step Program	101
8.	"Poor Tyrone" Profile of Sandra and Tyrone Worthington	107
9.	The Other Dementias: Some Causes of Dementia May Be Treatable	125
10.	The New Alzheimer's Treatments: The Latest Drugs, Medicinal Herbs, and Other Therapies	145
11.	"It's Nothing to Be Ashamed of, It's a Disease": Profile of Faith Hung and Her Family	176
12.	Before You do Anything Else, Take Care of Yourself: A Lesson for Caregivers	193
13.	A Practical Introduction to Loving Caregiving: How to Care for Someone with Alzheimer's	219
14.	When You Can No Longer Cope With Day-To-Day Caregiving: How to Evaluate, Select, and Pay for Residential Care	260
15.	"Oh, the Joy of Me": Profile of Debbie and Doris Hoffmann	279
16.	The New Science of Staying Mentally Sharp--for Life: The Latest Discoveries About Memory Preservation	296
	Epilogue	318
Appendix I.	Resources	320
Appendix II.	Alzheimers.Com	336
	References and Bibliography	337
	Permissions	361
	Index	363

Book review: Healing States or Bodies In Treatment

Survival Handbook: The Official U. S. Army Guide

Author: Department of the Army

No one knows more about survival than the U.S. Army. Their field manual, encompassing all-climate, all-terrain tactics, is the most authoritative guide to toughing it out on unfamiliar turf. This special edition for civilians is an essential companion for campers and other lovers of the outdoors.