Alzheimer's Early Stages First Steps for Family, Friends, and Caregivers

The third edition of Alzheimer’s Early Stages offers new research findings, treatment approaches, and information on the three key areas of Alzheimer’s disease: medical aspects, day-to-day care, and care for the caregiver. Daniel Kuhn seeks to replace fear with knowledge. With information on the progression of the disease, potential non-drug means of treatment, the changing world of the diagnosed individual, legal and financial planning, and maintaining physical and mental health for the caregiver, the book provides detailed guidance and advice while leaving room for adapting to the individual situation.

Daniel Kuhn has been a social worker and educator focused on enhancing the well-being of people with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia, as well as that of their families, since 1987. Through direct service, training, research, consultation, and program development, Kuhn has supported the missions of several nonprofit healthcare organizations in the Chicago area. The author and co-author of more than 50 publications, he has given hundreds of presentations for professional and family caregivers throughout the United States and Canada. Kuhn currently leads a grant-funded project to promote comfort care for people with dementia at Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care, based in Mount Prospect, Illinois.

Foreword
Acknowledgments
Introduction to the Third Edition

Part I: What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Chapter 1: The Need for an Accurate Diagnosis
What Is Normal in the Aging Brain?
How Alzheimer’s Disease Changes the Brain
What Research Says About Its Origins
Getting an Accurate Diagnosis
The Value of a Diagnosis

Chapter 2: Symptoms of the Early Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease
What Is Recent Memory?
Beginning Signs
An Emerging Pattern
Other Troubling Symptoms
One or More Symptoms Sometimes Present
Mood and Behavioral Changes

Chapter 3: Progress in Treatment and Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease
Current Medical Treatments
Progress in Treatment and Prevention
Participating in Clinical Drug Trials and Other Studies
The Limits of Medicine

Chapter 4: Alternative Therapies
What Do Risk Factors Tell Us?
Physical Exercise
Brain Games
Diet and Supplements
Buyer Beware
Balancing Activity and Relaxation

Part II: Giving Care

Chapter 5: What Is It Like to Have Alzheimer’s Disease?
Common Experiences and Feelings
Varying Degrees of Awareness of Symptoms
The Importance of One's Social Environment
What Some Family Members Have to Say

Chapter 6: How Relationships, Roles, and Responsibilities Change
Accepting the Diagnosis
Stepping into the Leadership Role
When Your Partner Has AD
When Your Parent Has AD
Telling Others About the Diagnosis
Involving Others in Care

Chapter 7: Making Practical Decisions
Ensuring Safety on the Road
Maintaining Good Health
Ensuring Financial Well-Being
Alternative Living Situations for the Person with AD
Doing the Right Thing

Chapter 8: Improving Communication
Communication Difficulties
Redefining Your Relationship
Ways of Listening and Talking with a Person with AD
Whose Problem Is It?

Chapter 9: Helping a Person with AD to Plan for the Future
Finding the Time
Legal Considerations
Financing the Cost of Care
Rethinking the Living Situation
Finding the Right Professionals

Chapter 10: Keeping a Person with AD Active, Happy, and Healthy
The Elements of Well-Being
Selecting Appropriate Activities
Traveling
Participating in Social Events
Reminiscing
Spiritual and Religious Practices
Being Around Pets and Plants
Involving Children

Part III: Caring for Yourself

Chapter 11: Self-Renewal for Family and Friends
Listening to Your Body and Mind
The Importance of Grief Work
Individual and Family Counseling
Exploring Spiritual Resources
Keeping a Journal
Maintaining a Sense of Humor

Chapter 12: Obtaining the Help You May Need
Using Community Resources
Participating in a Support Group
Using Help at Home
Choosing an Adult Day Center
Learning More About AD

Chapter 13: Voices of Experience
Questions and Answers
Lessons Learned

Epilogue: Advocating for Change
The Politics of Health Care
Our Aging Society and Youth Culture
Personal Change

Resources
AD Research Centers in the United States Funded by the National Institute on Aging
Print and Video Resources
Resources on the Web