Dementia for Dummies - UK - by Simon Atkins (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

If a loved one has recently been diagnosed with dementia, Dementia For Dummies, UK Edition provides trusted, no-nonsense guidance on what this may mean for you and your family. You'll get an understanding of the symptoms of dementia, make sense of the stages of the illness and grasp the differences between the various types of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia.

Dementia is an increasingly common condition that can have a significant impact on family life. Each person diagnosed is unique, and your loved one's symptoms can range from loss of memory to mood changes to communication problems and beyond. This sensitive, authoritative guide walks you through the different scenarios you may encounter as a family member or carer and explains step-by-step how you can keep your loved one as safe and as comfortable as possible--no matter how severe their symptoms are.

• Gives you the straight facts on dementia
• Covers the symptoms, causes and risk factors of dementia
• Helps identify and address the fears as you face a diagnosis
• Provides carers and family members with the information needed to help manage the illness

If you're looking for support as you adjust to caring for a loved one with dementia, Dementia For Dummies helps make it easier.

From the Back Cover

Learn to:

• Get the straight facts on dementia
• Decipher the different types of dementia
• Uncover the symptoms, causes and risk factors
• Help someone manage their illness and provide care

Your no-nonsense guide to dealing with dementia

If you know someone who has been diagnosed with dementia, this compassionate guide covers everything you'll encounter while caring for your loved one. You'll discover the symptoms of dementia, make sense of the stages of the illness and grasp the differences between the various types of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia.

• The deal with dementia - discover the early warning signs, thought-processing problems and emotional changes associated with dementia
• What does the future hold? - find guidance on getting a diagnosis, understand the medical and non-medical treatments available and help ease the cognitive, emotional and functional symptoms of a loved one
• All you need is love - provide good care for your loved one, get to know the challenges that lie ahead and know where to turn for help when you need it
• The long haul - make sense of domiciliary and longer-term care, adapt an existing home to accommodate a dementia patient and get sensitive and authoritative advice on choosing a care facility

Open the book and find:

• Exactly what dementia is and how it's diagnosed
• The causes and risk factors associated with dementia
• How to get assistance from the state
• Authoritative guidance on end-of-life planning
• Ten tips for the caregivers, friends and family of those suffering from dementia
• Dementia myths debunked

About the Author

Simon Atkins studied at Bristol University Medical School and trained as a GP in Bedminster Down. He is a freelance medical journalist and has been a columnist for The Guardian. He presented the BBC 3 series Make Me a Baby. His most recent book is First Steps to Living with Dementia.