Alzheimer's Early Stages

The first part of this important book offers a comparison of the normal aging pattern of the brain and what happens with Alzheimer's. It explains the difficulties of diagnosis, risk factors for developing it, treatments, and guidelines for prevention. The second part is devoted to practical ways that families can help the patient, including adapting to changing relationships, establishing new ways of communication and decision-making, and planning for the future. The last part offers advice for self-care for family members and helpers, from joining a support group to exploring spiritual resource.

Daniel Kuhn, MSW, has been a clinical social worker in the fields of aging and health care for more than 25 years. He is education director at the Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center in Chicago, one of 27 federally funded Alzheimer's disease centers in the United States.