Alzheimer’s and Dementia For Dummies

Your sensitive, authoritative guide to Alzheimer’s and dementia

If a loved one has recently been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, it’s only natural to feel fraught with fear and uncertainty about what lies ahead. Fortunately, you don’t have to do it alone. This friendly and authoritative guide is here to help you make smart, informed choices throughout the different scenarios you’ll encounter as a person caring for someone diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. From making sense of a diagnosis to the best ways to cope with symptoms, Alzheimer’s and Dementia For Dummies is the trusted companion you can count on as you navigate your way through this difficult landscape.

Affecting one’s memory, thinking, and behavior, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease can’t be prevented, cured, or slowed—but a diagnosis doesn’t mean you have to be left helpless! Inside, you’ll find out how to make sense of the symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, understand the stages of the illnesses, and, most importantly, keep your loved one safe and comfortable—no matter how severe their symptoms are.

• Find out what to expect from Alzheimer’s and dementia
• Discover what to keep in mind while caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia
• Uncover symptoms, causes, and risk factors of Alzheimer’s and dementia
• Learn the critical information needed to help manage these illnesses

Whether you’re new to caring for a person affected by Alzheimer’s or dementia or just looking for some answers and relief on your journey, this is the trusted resource you’ll turn to again and again.

Table of Contents

Part I: Getting Started with Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Chapter 1: An Overview of Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease
Chapter 2: Spotting the Symptoms
Chapter 3: Considering Causes and Risk Factors
Chapter 4: Distinguishing Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease from Other Medical Conditions

Part II: Helping a Loved One Manage the Illness
Chapter 5: Receiving a Diagnosis
Chapter 6: Looking At the Tests Used to Diagnose Alzheimer’s Disease
Chapter 7: Understanding the Stages of Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease
Chapter 8: Eyeing Medical Treatments
Chapter 9: Considering Nonmedical Treatments

Part III: Providing Care for Your Loved One
Chapter 10: Managing Your Loved One’s Care and Day-to-Day Life
Chapter 11: Making Medical Decisions
Chapter 12: Addressing Legal Issues
Chapter 13: Working through Financial Issues on Behalf of Your Loved One
Chapter 14: Choosing Ongoing Care for Your Loved One
Chapter 15: Easing the Transition to New Surroundings

Part IV: Respite Care for the Caregiver
Chapter 16: Coping While Caregiving
Chapter 17: Finding Support
Chapter 18: Knowing What to Do If the Person with Dementia Goes into the Hospital
Chapter 19: Keeping Up with Work and Family as a Caregiver
Chapter 20: Helping When You’re Not the Primary Caregiver

Part V: The Part of Tens
Chapter 21: Ten Tips for Dealing with Dementia
Chapter 22: Ten Tips for Caregivers, Friends, and Families
Chapter 23: Busting Ten Myths about Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease