The common sense guide to dementia for clinicians and caregivers / Anne M. Lipton, Cindy D. Marshall.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Lipton, Anne M., 1966-

Contributor:

Marshall, Cindy D.

ebrary, Inc.

Gail and Warren Lieberfarb Mental Health and Neuroscience Library Resources Fund.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Dementia.

Dementia--Patients--Care.

Dementia--Treatment.

Physical Description:

1 online resource

polychrome

Place of Publication:

New York, NY : Springer, [2013]

System Details:

text file

Summary:

The Common Sense Guide to Dementia for Clinicians and Caregivers

This Common Sense Guide provides a highly accessible approach to practical dementia care. It spotlights many real-world concerns not usually covered in standard textbooks, while presenting a more detailed medical perspective than typical caregiver manuals. Written by two dementia specialists, this ground-breaking book uniquely combines the perspectives of neurology and psychiatry to meet a variety of caregiver needs.

Essential topics include how to find the right clinician, make the most of a doctor's visit, and avert a crisis - or manage one that can't be avoided. The authors place an emphasis on caring for the caregiver as well as the patient. Often difficult issues, such as driving, financial management, legal matters, long-term placement, and end-of-life care, are met head-on. Tried, true, and time-saving tips are explained-in terms of what works - and what doesn't - with regard to clinical evaluation, medications, behavioral measures, and alternate therapies.

Clinicians, family members, and other caregivers will find this easy-to-read volume useful and relevant across the spectrum of dementia (including Alzheimer's disease and non-Alzheimer's types) and at all stages of this challenging illness. Book jacket.

Contents:

1 What Is Dementia? 1

Basic Clinical Definitions 1

Dementia: Definitions 2

Onset of Dementia 3

Progression of Dementia 3

Stages of Care 4

References 4

Part I Start of Care

2 Signposts: What to Look for and When to Seek Help 7

Selected Types of Dementia 9

Alzheimer's Disease 9

Mild Cognitive Impairment 10

Vascular Dementia 10

Mixed Dementia 12

Parkinson's Disease Dementia 12

Parkinson's Plus Syndromes 12

Frontotemporal Dementia 13

Traumatic Brain Injury 14

Other Diagnostic Considerations 14

Summary 16

Websites 17

Common Sense Rules 17

References 17

3 Finding Help 19

Advocating for the Person with Dementia 19

Primary Medical Care 22

Identifying a Specialist 23

Who Are Specialists? 23

Why Consult a Specialist? 25

How and Where Can I Find a Specialist and Other Resources? 25

What if I Can't Get My Loved One to the Doctor for Memory Problems? 26

Summary 27

Common Sense Rules 28

Websites 28

References 28

4 Preparing for a Visit to the Doctor 29

Before You Go to the Doctor 29

Making an Appointment 29

Forms 32

Medication List 32

History 37

Your List 38

Sensitive Subjects 40

Summary 41

Common Sense Rules 41

5 Making the Most of the Doctor's Visit 43

What You Need to Bring to the Doctor's Office 44

Assistive Devices 45

Communicating with the Doctor 45

Other Strategies for Communicating with the Doctor 47

How the Doctor's Visit Works 48

History 48

Activities of Daily Living 49

Behavior 49

Cognition 50

Other Medical History 50

Examination 50

Additional Evaluation 51

Assessment 51

Plan of Care 52

Between Patient Appointments 53

Know When to Call 53

Follow-Up on the Plan of Care 53

Follow-Up Appointments 54

Summary 55

Common Sense Rules 55

References 55

Part II Common Sense Dementia Care

6 The Seven Common Senses of Dementia Care 59

First Principle: Independence and Respect 59

Second Step: Teamwork 60

Third Thing to Do: Stick with It! 61

Fourth, Be Prepared 62

The Fifth Element: Flexibility 63

The Sixth "Common Sense": Positive Engagement 64

The First and Last Common Sense: Preserving Safety-and Sanity 66

Summary 69

References 69

7 Caring for the Caregiver 71

Family Members of Caregivers 71

Caregiver and Family Dynamics 74

Some Caregiver Types and Traits 74

Family and Caregiver Issues 76

Summary 78

Common Sense Rules 78

References 79

8 Dementia Medications 81

General Medication Guidelines for Caregivers of Patients with Dementia 82

Medication Administration 82

Medication Information and Side Effects 83

Off-Label Usage 84

Cognitive Enhancers 85

Cholinesterase Inhibitors 86

NMDA Antagonist 91

Off-Label Usage of Memantine for Non-Alzheimer Dementias 92

Combination Therapy 92

Additional Medications for Dementia 93

When to Stop Medication for Dementia 93

Summary 94

Common Sense Rules 94

Websites 94

References 95

9 Alternative Therapies in Dementia 97

Diet 97

Nutritional and Botanical Supplements in Dementia 98

Vitamins 99

Supplements 101

Stimulatory Therapies 104

Scheduled Voiding 104

Other Alternative Therapies 105

Chelation Therapy 105

Quantitative Electroencephalogram 105

Stem Cell Therapy 105

What Can I Do to Prevent Dementia in Myself? 106

Summary 106

Common Sense Rules 107

Websites 107

References 107

10 Alcohol and Other Substances 111

Common Sense Approach to Alcohol Dependence in Dementia 113

Potential Prescription Drugs of Abuse in Dementia 114

Bowel Products 117

Illicit Drugs 118

Medications Adverse to Memory 119

Is a Drug Exacerbating Dementia Symptoms? 120

Aluminum ≠ Alzheimer's 120

Summary 120

Common Sense Rules 121

References 121

Part III Mood and Behavior

11 Mood Issues in Dementia 125

Depression 125

Apathy/Emotional Blunting 126

Anxiety 126

Irritability/Disinhibition 126

Treatment 127

Summary 127

Common Sense Rules 127

References 128

12 Psychosis 129

Psychosis (Hallucinations and Delusions) 129

Hallucinations 129

Delusions 129

Delusions of Theft 130

Addressing Psychosis 130

When Medication is Needed for Psychosis 132

Summary 132

Common Sense Rules 133

References 133

13 Dealing with Problem Behaviors in Dementia 135

Behavioral Triggers 135

Repetitive Behavior 136

Agitation/Irritability/Disinhibition 137

Aggression/Combativeness 137

Scratching, Picking, and Slapping 138

Sundowning/Confusion 139

Pacing/Excessive Walking/Abnormal Motor Behavior 139

Wandering 140

Problems in Unfamiliar Surroundings 141

Disruption of Sleep-Wake Cycle 141

Poor Appetite/Sweet Tooth 142

Crying/Mood Swings 143

Noncompliance with Medication 143

Refusal to Bathe/Change Clothes 144

Pharmacologic Treatment 144

Behavioral Interventions 145

Summary 147

Common Sense Rules 148

Part IV Additional Considerations in Dementia Care

14 Legal and Financial Matters 151

Introduction 151

Consulting an Attorney 151

Definitions 152

Capacity 152

Competency 152

Power of Attorney 152

Advanced Health Care Directive (Living Will) 153

Guardianship and Conservatorship 153

Constructing You Legal Documents 153

Practical Considerations in Selecting Your POA 154

Capacity 155

When One's Capacity Is in Questions 155

When Capacity Is Absent 156

Guardianship 157

Abuse and Neglect 159

Advanced Health Directives 159

Summary 161

Common Sense Rules 161

Websites 162

References 162

15 Selecting Level of Care 163

Introduction 163

Assessment of Caregiving Needs in Dementia 164

Higher Level of Care 164

Needs Assessment 164

Informal (Familial) Assessment 165

Caregiving Options in Dementia 166

Family, Friends, and Neighbors 167

Home Health 168

Senior or Community Centers 170

Adult Day Programs (Brain Therapy) 170

Companion Care 172

Respite Care 174

Residential Care 176

Making Plans to Move Your Loved One 176

Independent Living 176

Assisted Living 177

Memory-Assisted Living/Memory Care/Alzheimer's Unit 179

When Is the Time for Memory Care? 180

Different Levels of Care/Facilities That Offer Multiple Levels of Care 182

Residential Care Home/Personal Care Home 183

Nursing Home/Skilled Nursing Facility 184

Hospice 185

Choosing a Facility 186

Summary 187

Common Sense Rules 187

Websites 188

References 188

16 Looking Ahead: The Later Stages 189

Medical Care in Advanced Dementia 190

Comfort Care 190

Medical Procedures 190

Dental Care 191

Medications 192

Consolidated Care 194

Emergency Room Visits and Hospitalizations 194

Resuscitation Status 195

Avoid Feeding Tubes 197

Consider Hospice 197

Letting Go, Gently 198

Summary 198

Common Sense Rules 199

Websites 199

References 200.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Electronic reproduction. Palo Alto, Calif. Available via World Wide Web.

Local Notes:

Acquired for the Penn Libraries with assistance from the Gail and Warren Lieberfarb Mental Health and Neuroscience Library Resources Fund.

ISBN:

9781461441632

1461441633

Publisher Number:

99950389115

Access Restriction:

Restricted for use by site license.