book

Dementia For Dummies - UK

by Simon Atkins

April 2015

Beginner to intermediate

352 pages

8h 14m

English

For Dummies

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About This BookFoolish AssumptionsIcons Used in This BookBeyond the BookWhere to Go from Here
Understanding What Dementia IsGrasping What Dementia Is NotLooking at the StatisticsLooking at the Link between Age and DementiaRealising that Dementia Doesn’t Just Mean Alzheimer’sConsidering the ‘big four’ types of dementiaMild cognitive impairment: Dementia lite?Considering Copycat ConditionsNeurological causesHormonal and nutritional causesAlcohol-related causesInfectious causesPrescription medication causes
Identifying the Early Warning SignsDifferentiating between dementia and a few senior momentsKnowing what to look out forRecognising Thought-Processing ProblemsForgettingGetting lost and wanderingProgressive lack of judgementObserving Emotional ChangesAggression and agitationSexual disinhibitionParanoiaMood swingsNoting Functional ProblemsWhich shoe on which foot?Kitchen nightmaresHousework becoming a chore
Understanding Alzheimer’s DiseaseTaking a quick look at the history of the diseaseSpotting the main symptomsAcknowledging the risk factorsWorking through the testsLooking at treatment optionsBeing realistic about the outlookExplaining Vascular DementiaExperiencing problems with circulationSpotting the symptomsAcknowledging the risk factorsWorking through the testsLooking at treatment optionsBeing realistic about the outlookGetting to Grips with Mixed DementiaHaving two types of dementia at onceSpotting the symptomsAcknowledging the risk factorsWorking through the testsLooking at treatment optionsBeing realistic about the outlookAnalysing Fronto-Temporal DementiaRecognising why it’s differentSpotting the symptomsAcknowledging the risk factorsWorking through the testsLooking at treatment optionsBeing realistic about the outlookDiscovering Dementia with Lewy BodiesRecognising why it’s differentSpotting the symptomsAcknowledging the risk factorsWorking through the testsLooking at treatment optionsBeing realistic about the outlook
Taking a Quick Look Under the Bonnet (Barnet)Considering normal brain structure and functionUnderstanding how memory worksRealising what goes wrong in dementiaTaking age into accountUnderstanding the Role of Genes and Family HistoryExplaining what genes are and how they workIdentifying whether dementia runs in familiesTaking a Long, Hard Look at the Risk FactorsLifestyleMental stimulation
Looking at the Early StageKnowing what to expect at the startRecognising the first signs of dementiaConsidering the Middle StageAcknowledging that dementia has set inRealising how symptoms evolveIdentifying the Late StageKnowing it’s the final chapterMoving towards the end of lifeExploring Variations in Other Types of DementiaVascular dementiaFronto-temporal dementiaLewy body disease
Taking the First Step towards a DiagnosisSeeing the GPPicking the right doctorEnsuring continuityConsidering what the doctor wants to knowThe current situationBackground historyThinking about the examinations and tests the doctor performsWorking through the Next Stages of InvestigationUndergoing brain scansUndergoing detailed psychological testsBeing referred to a specialistSorting Out Follow-Up and an Ongoing Plan for CareUnderstanding what doctors can doSorting out social care
Identifying the Dementia MedicinesUnderstanding How Dementia Drugs WorkAcetylcholinesterase inhibitorsMemantineKnowing When to Start Taking the DrugsSeeing How to Take the MedicinesConsidering the Side Effects and RisksLooking at Other Drugs That Help Alleviate SymptomsAntidepressant drugsSleeping tabletsAntipsychotic drugs

Vitamins and Herbal RemediesGingko bilobaVitamin EHuperzine AVITACOGMedical FoodsAromatherapyApplicationConsidering how it worksReminiscence TherapyMusic TherapyMusic and the brainHow music helpsEffectivenessReality OrientationRisks and benefitsSome criticisms
Looking at Cognitive SymptomsWanderingRepetitive behaviourSundowningEmotional ProblemsDepressionAnger and irritabilityFunctional SymptomsIncontinenceFalls
Breaking the NewsDiscussing the diagnosis with friends and familyTelling the professionalsInforming your employerGetting Your Affairs in OrderFinancial considerationsWriting a willDriving and MobilityDVLA regulationsParking badges and bus passesTaking Care of Your Health
Establishing Daytime RoutinesDesigning a Routine that WorksSimplifying Washing and DressingEnsuring dignity and independenceDoing it togetherHandy gadgetsManaging Diet and Eating DifficultiesGetting five a dayEncouraging a balanced dietGetting fluids inNever too many cooks: Getting the person involvedMeals on wheelsHelping when eating becomes toughGetting Out and AboutProviding fresh air and exerciseHelping people become ladies (and gents) that lunchStaying on Top of Health Care IssuesVisiting doctors, dentists, podiatrists and opticiansCoping with pills and medicines
Considering the ChallengesCaring and stressDealing with guiltLooking After YourselfSeeking professional supportStaying healthyRemaining saneTaking care of your spiritual healthApproaching charities and support groupsAsking for help from friends and familyTaking Time OutAcknowledging the importance of ‘me time’Making time for teaMeeting friendsEnjoying a hobbyGetting away from it allSorting Out Your Own FinancesChanging to flexible workingUnderstanding retirement and pensionsApplying for carer’s allowanceTaking financial advice
Starting at the Doctor’s SurgeryGeneral practitionersPractice nursesChecking Out Community-Based ServicesCommunity matronsCommunity nurses for older peopleDistrict nursesHoming in on Hospital-Based ServicesSpecialist dementia or memory nursesHospital consultantsConsidering Other Health ProfessionalsMobility specialistsEar, teeth and eye specialistsSeeking Help from Social ServicesWho’s who?How do you get hold of them?Is Anybody Else Out There?Checking Out Charities and the Voluntary SectorBefriending schemesMemory cafesSupport groups
Knowing Which Benefits Are AvailableCare and mobility benefitsWork and retirement benefitsUnderstanding How to ClaimKnowing whom to contactAccessing the right formsGetting help with your applicationChallenging a decision you’re unhappy with
Setting Up an Advance Directive (a Living Will)Understanding the Mental Capacity ActRecognising what an advance directive can coverGetting hold of the paperworkIdentifying which professionals to involveLooking into Lasting Power of AttorneyHealth and welfare lasting power of attorneyProperty and financial affairs lasting power of attorneyTaking a look at the benefits offered by lasting power of attorneySetting up lasting power of attorneyMaking Decisions about ResuscitationChecking out the formsTelling the necessary peopleDealing with Driving RegulationsAcknowledging how dementia affects driving abilityInforming the DVLA/DVLNIGiving up your driving licence
Reaching a Realistic DecisionBeing guided by how well someone is doingConsidering whether symptoms are rapidly progressingDeciding whether existing help is sufficientMaking Alterations to the Existing HomeAsking whether a few simple changes are enoughLooking at what’s availableChoosing a Care HomeDifferentiating Between Sheltered, Residential and Nursing Care OptionsSheltered accommodation/extra-care housingResidential homesNursing homesFinding the Right PlaceDecide on the care requirementsPick the right locationDraw up a shortlistSee them for yourselfCompare pricesArrange a temporary stayIdentifying Good CareChecking the Home’s ReputationEnglandWalesScotlandNorthern Ireland
Looking at Who Pays for CareChecking out how care homes are fundedKnowing what funds are availableCalculating entitlement to fundsExamining Self-FundingConsidering whether you’ll have to sell your houseIdentifying which pensions and savings will be usedRecognising whether the family will be stuck with a bill
Getting the Home Care Staff to Know Your Loved OneProviding important biographical detailsCovering medical detailsIdentifying who’s already involved in careVisiting RegularlyTaking Part in Care and Activities in the HomeActing As an Advocate If Problems OccurConsidering typical problemsMaking a complaintEscalating the complaint
Communicating with StaffGiving the staff some background historyProviding details about the person’s careGetting to Know the Ward Staff and DoctorsTaking in Familiar ObjectsOffering sources of reassuranceRemembering that you are what you wearVisiting RegularlyHelping at Mealtimes
Recognising What Causes Death in People with DementiaEffects of dementia itselfEffects of other illnessesLooking at Who’s Involved in End-of-Life CareMedical staffSpecialist palliative-care teamsCharitiesChoosing between Home, Hospital and HospiceHomeHospitalHospiceEnsuring Death with DignityUnderstanding What’s Involved in Palliative CareConsidering what treatments are availableRecognising who’s who in the teamFacing Decisions about Treatment and When to Let Go
Try to Be Accepting of ChangesLet People Know What’s HappeningTell the Driving AuthoritiesWork Together with Your PartnerKeep ActiveSort Out Your FinancesMake a WillLook After Your Physical HealthAttend Health ChecksContinue Hobbies and Pastimes
Make Life as Normal as Possible for as Long as PossibleEncourage Her to Plan for the FutureEnsure She Remains HealthyTake Her for Health ChecksConsider Underlying Reasons for Changes in BehaviourAccept Professional HelpContinue to Be Involved When She Enters a Care HomeThink about End-of-Life CareLook After YourselfTake a Break
All Old People Develop DementiaDementia Is the Same as Alzheimer’s DiseaseEveryone with Dementia Becomes AggressiveDementia Means You’ll End Up in a Nursing HomeAluminium Gives You DementiaThe Effects of Dementia Can’t Be AlleviatedDementia Is a Hereditary ConditionWomen Are More Likely to Develop Dementia than MenIf Your Memory Starts to Fail, You’re Definitely Developing DementiaRed Wine Can Reverse the Effects of Dementia
Alzheimer’s SocietyAge UKCarers TrustCarers UKCitizens AdviceDementia UKNHS

Content preview from Dementia For Dummies - UK

Part III

Providing Care for Your Loved One

The top five ways to navigate a carer’s challenges

Carry out an initial stock-take of what may lie ahead. Although everyone’s different, enough similarities exist in how dementia develops for you to gain a good idea of what’s coming, even if you can’t predict when. The person’s finances need to be in order, benefits claimed, a will drawn up and the driving authorities informed.
Initiate some daily routines. To avoid the confusion that results from not knowing what will happen from one moment or day to the next, establish a routine that takes in meal times, bath times, shopping trips, days out and so on – and stick to it.
Find out who can help. No matter how capable or proud you are, you won’t be able to do all the caring on your own. So chat to the person’s GP or specialist nurse to find out who’s who in the healthcare team and when to call on them. Also identify what support social services can offer and locate clubs and support groups for people with dementia and their carers.
Be open to some complementary therapies. Although such treatments aren’t as tried and tested as conventional medicines, some people do find that herbal remedies and certainly aromatherapy can help ease distressing symptoms.
Sort out legal issues promptly. You’ll need to help the person to write a will and choose someone to take on lasting power of attorney. Doing so while the person is still capable of making decisions for himself is clearly best. Not only will ...