The spectrum of hope An optimistic and new approach to Alzheimer's disease and other dementias

Gayatri Devi

Large print - 2018

"By defining Alzheimer's Disease as a spectrum disorder---like autism, it affects different people differently---Dr. Gayatri Devi offers new hope for its millions of sufferers. A neurologist who's been specializing in dementia and memory loss for more than 20 years, Dr. Devi shares the stories of her patients in the kind of narrative medical writing that grips the reader, humanizes the science, and offers equal parts practical wisdom and advice. She explains the importance of an early diagnosis; drugs and therapies that can help manage the disease; and how to cope, from maintaining independence to the best ways to fight depression and apathy. There are chapters on sexuality, genetics, communication, even staying on the job---...because through her practice, Dr. Devi knows that the majority of Alzheimer's patients continue to live and work in their communities. They babysit the grandkids, drive to the store (or own the store), serve their clients, or otherwise live fulfilling lives."--Back cover.

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Subjects
Published
Waterville, Maine : Thorndike Press, a part of Gale, a Cengage Company 2018.
Language
English
Main Author
Gayatri Devi (author)
Edition
Large print edition
Item Description
Includes index.
Physical Description
573 pages (large print) ; 23 cm
ISBN
9781432846473
  • Introduction
  • Do I have Alzheimer's? Identifying memory disorders and the importance of early diagnosis
  • I have Alzheimer's: now what? Alzheimer's as a spectrum disease, and using a multipronged treatment approach
  • Whether I have Alzheimer's disease is nobody's business but my own. When and how to share the diagnosis
  • Do I need to quit my job? Continuing to work with dementia, and knowing when to retire
  • Who says I can't drive? Maintaining independence and dignity in Alzheimer's
  • Will I pass this on to my children? The genetics of Alzheimer's, and paths to prevention
  • Do I face special challenges as a woman? Gender and Alzheimer's
  • I just don't care about anything anymore. Treating depression and anxiety in dementia and what to do about apathy
  • I'd be crazy not to be paranoid! Apraxia, paranoia, and other frustrating behaviors, and how to effectively communicate when logic doesn't work
  • I'm not lost, I'm on the road less traveled. Why not to worry about wandering
  • I can't take it anymore! Advice to caregivers: self-care, stress reduction, and when to seek additional help
  • I think my husband is cheating on me with my aide. Navigating sexuality: suspicion, affairs, and special arrangements
  • Should I go to the hospital if I'm sick? Treating medical illness alongside dementia
  • Whether you like it or not, here's what I want. Maintaining individuality in the face of Alzheimer's
  • I would rather die at home. Living and dying with dignity, in the comfort of home
  • Gee, that must be depressing! My life as a physician specializing in Alzheimer's: trials, rewards, and lessons learned.
Review by Library Journal Review

With most baby boomers already in their 70s-and their surviving parents in their 90s-there is a rise in age-related Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other dementias. Most people have a family member or friend who has a form of dementia, and many aging adults are concerned about their own cognitive health. Lenox Hill Hospital neurologist Devi (director, New York Memory and Healthy Aging Svcs.) views the disease as a spectrum disorder that presents and progresses differently in people. Early diagnosis is key: taking into account memory loss, language and life skills, and rate of progression, all of which may vary widely. People in early or preclinical stages can benefit from diet and lifestyle modifications and physical and cognitive exercises; those further along may experience improvement from medications as well as magnetic brain stimulation (not yet FDA-approved for AD). The author includes stories of her patients, most of whom live at home, though some continue to work, drive, and conduct other activities, with adequate and appropriate support. -VERDICT Readers will feel the hope and compassion that guides Devi's work and learn to see AD and other dementias as more than a fearful disaster.-Marcia G. Welsh, Dartmouth Coll. Lib., Hanover, NH © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.