This instructional textbook and accompanying CD provides vital information about Alzheimer’s and other Dementias and memory loss in aging adults. The demand for knowledge about mental health in later life will continue to expand as the proportion of older adults in the population increases. Professionals in the fields of sociology, psychology, medicine, and nursing have collaborated to produce this interdisciplinary product to empower health care and social service providers to better serve the needs of an older population. Topics cover symptoms, biological influences, diagnosis, and treatments. Additional sections cover what family and friends can do to help an individual seek treatment, barriers to recognizing and treating mental illnesses, and public policy and community issues regarding mental health. Together the book and CD package provide the experience of attending several professional workshops at the convenience of your own home or office. This book is designed to work well for college level courses, independent study, or to provide workshops for anyone concerned about Alzheimer’s Disease. The text provides a perspective from the person with dementia, research information presented in an easy to follow format, questions for discussion, and extensive references to agencies, books, and websites. The CD contains interviews with caregivers, video of a support group, medical advice from a nurse practitioner, and multimedia presentations (with video, illustrations, and narration) for each topic (5 to 30 min each). Chapters: The Experience of Dementia Definitions, Mild Cognitive Disorder, Reversible Dementias Irreversible Dementias Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease Progression of Alzheimer’s Disease After the Diagnosis Family Caregiving Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia Residential Environments End of Life Issues Public Policy Issues Conclusion |